Emergency accommodation pods in Skegness hailed a success by council

Since being installed in January, the units have been ‘well-utilised’ – according to East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) - offering vulnerable people support to take positive steps towards a more stable future.

The Standard asked the council on Friday how many people have used the pods since being installed, but had not received a reply at the time of uploading this story (Tuesday).

The authority says the self-contained pods “provide safe and dignified emergency accommodation” to rough sleepers and other vulnerable people.

Each unit contains a bed, toilet and charging facilities and are designed to help those where hostel-style and traditional accommodation may be unsuitable for them, due to health, addiction, or other needs.

“Those who use them are not only benefitting from a safe and secure space, they also receive a wide range of support from the council’s Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Team, other council services and partner organisations,” an ELDC spokesperson said.

“One local resident used a pod after becoming homeless following a relationship breakdown and complex personal circumstances. With support from the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Team and partner organisations, they accessed a range of services including housing support, benefits advice, health and wellbeing support. They were helped to prepare for independent living and were able to reconnect with family and their own personal support networks.”

They said the person later moved into supported accommodation and continues to access help from the council and partners to prepare for longer-term housing.

Coun William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing at ELDC, said: “This is one of many success and life-changing stories to come from the launch on the accommodation pods in Skegness. This particular individual is now on the road to living independently with a whole range of support available to them.

“Nobody should be without a home. The pods were installed to help address homelessness in a compassionate, dignified and practical way. As part of our commitment to reducing rough sleeping, the council and its partners are continuing to look at new ways to provide accommodation and help people move into supported housing and permanent homes.

“The Access and Partnership Team is also developing longer-term routes into supported and general housing.

“We have strengthened our support services by introducing Floating Support Officers, who work with people at risk of rough sleeping, and by expanding the role of our Rough Sleeping Case Officer to provide dedicated support for people staying in temporary accommodation. These improvements help people maintain their tenancies, build independence and reduce the risk of returning to homelessness.”

Rough sleeping can happen for many reasons, including relationship breakdown, family conflict, financial hardship, health issues, domestic abuse, or the loss of accommodation. Support is available. Referrals can be made through StreetLink: https://thestreetlink.org.uk/ Alternatively, call the council on 01507 601111.