New team to help tackle homelessness in West Lindsey

West Lindsey District Council, along with South Kesteven, North Kesteven, South Holland, are working together under the banner of Change4Lincs to support people known to be rough sleeping or at risk of having to do so.

The 14-strong Change4Lincs team is made up of a project co-ordinator, physical health nurse, four outreach workers, four tenancy support officers, two local lettings officers and two intensive support workers.

They aim to reduce, through prevention, the number of people at risk of rough sleeping, reduce the number of ‘repeat’ rough sleepers, reduce the number of rough sleepers who are likely to become entrenched, improve physical and mental health and wellbeing and provide effective support in settled accommodation.

Coun Owen Brierley, chairman of the prosperous communities committee at West Lindsey District Council, said: “Change4Lincs is a much welcomed partnership approach to tackling rough sleeping and homelessness.

“Not all homelessness is visible but for those sleeping in places not designed for living or those sleeping on a friends sofa it is great to know that this new service will provide the help and support needed to prevent them ending up on the streets.”

The project is part of a Rough Sleeping Initiative announced by the Ministry for Communities and Local Government in March 2018 and has received a grant of almost £595,523.

The key challenges are securing emergency access to safe/supported accommodation, securing access to longer-term accommodation for single people and providing rough sleepers with access to, and help from, support agencies to improve their physical and mental health.

An information booklet has been produced that is available from district council offices and support hubs.

Or visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk where more information about Change4Lincs is available or to contact West Lindsey District Council visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk.

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