Local MP Maria Miller has applauded the work done by Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership to prevent people from sleeping on the streets throughout the winter, in a bid to eradicate rough sleeping in Basingstoke and Deane.
The social inclusion partners - which include homelessness experts, volunteers and charities - continue to look at new and innovative ways to tackle homelessness and the causes of homelessness - and develop COVID-safe ways of providing socially distanced, emergency alternatives to the usual winter night shelter provision. This includes outreach support for anyone who may find themselves sleeping rough for the first time or those who return to the streets.
Maria said “In Basingstoke we have a very successful campaign, to help keep homeless people off the cold streets of Basingstoke and Deane each winter and following its success, the Social Inclusion Partnership is now building on the commitment shown by local people, businesses and organisations by launching a year-round initiative to support rough sleepers.
I applaud the much needed work done by the Social Inclusion Partnership rightly focused on providing the right support to those who have fallen on hard times, and it’s great to see more support for vulnerable people in Basingstoke to get off the streets and back on their feet.”
Chair of the Social Inclusion Partnership and Cabinet Member for Homes and Families Cllr Tristan Robinson said: “We are committed to protecting and supporting our most vulnerable residents and this support has been needed more than ever throughout the pandemic. As we move into the colder, darker months it is even more vital this excellent level of support continues to ensure there is access to safe and secure accommodation and the right support to help individuals on their journey away from the streets. This is only possible with the tremendous partnership work carried out by the social inclusion partnership, all working together to eradicate rough sleeping in our borough.”
This builds on the work carried out since March which has seen over 90 individuals directly supported with accommodation and the right support to meet their needs.
Thanks to work by the partners and successful funding bids to Government, some clients have also been able to move into new supported accommodation schemes provided by Sovereign Housing, giving individuals their own home and support to continue their journey.
For more information on homelessness support available visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/homelessness