Somerset Council has secured £5.87 million in Government funding to help people sleeping rough move off the streets and into safe, settled accommodation.
The funding has been awarded through the Government’s new Rough Sleeping Programme.
Its aim is to give everyone sleeping rough a route off the streets while creating longer-term homes and support for people who face the greatest barriers in society to leave rough sleeping behind for good.
The funding is being spent on both new initiatives and the expansion of existing services for people sleeping rough in Somerset, including the delivery of female only accommodation and support, and some higher support accommodation to work with people with complexity of needs.
Cllr Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Adults Services, Housing and Homelessness, said: “We have been allocated nearly six million pounds to spend over three years in recognition of the significant challenge that rough sleeping places here in Somerset, where it is particularly acute compared to similarly rural counties.
“We know that making a positive change requires sustained and reliable long-term work by the council carried out with our many health and care partners.
People sleeping rough need to be able to trust and rely on what is offered to them.
The actions we are taking are designed to build this trust and to provide the opportunity for people sleeping rough in Somerset to embark on a journey to safe and secure housing within a package of timely mental health, drug and alcohol, NHS and voluntary sector support to help them reach and sustain this outcome.
“Many think of homelessness as sleeping on the streets, but it can take many forms. For example, sofa surfing, sleeping in cars or living in temporary accommodation are all also classed as forms of homelessness.
“If you are concerned that you could become homeless, or if you currently are homeless, we can help. There are resources on our website with more information.”
People who are concerned about the possibility of becoming homeless and need support or advice should visit the homelessness and prevention page on the council’s website.
Anyone who sees someone sleeping rough should alert StreetLink so that dedicated rough sleeping teams can arrange outreach support.