A new pilot programme is being launched to help long-term rough sleepers in Wigan
“This provision will help us test a new style of support within tailored accommodation aligned to wider services and organisations.”
A new approach to homelessness support will be pioneered in Wigan following a funding boost.
The pilot programme will help services provide for long-term rough sleepers who require additional aid.
It will offer targeted support for people who have been unable to live in several accommodation options or have disengaged from services.
To help fund the new approach, Wigan Council has secured £125,000 for three years from the national Homelessness and Long-Term Rough Sleeper Programme.
This will be combined with money allocated by the council through its own homelessness and rough-sleeping strategy.
Coun Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said: “Our new prime minister couldn’t have made it any clearer - he put homelessness and new council homes at the top of the agenda, along with tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
“We have a proven track record of tackling homelessness, providing support and practical solutions. Becoming homeless can happen to anyone of us and tackling homelessness is a multi-agency approach.
“We have strong relationships with our partners and organisations who are compassionate, experienced and well respected and this new pilot is very welcome.”
The programme will accommodate people known to homelessness services who have been identified as long-term rough sleeping in the borough.
Delivered by registered provider You Matter, linked in with wider services, it will offer a psychologically informed, trauma-aware and recovery-focused approach.
It is designed to support people who have spent extended periods rough sleeping to go indoors and build resilience, recover and move towards independence.
Coun Gambles added: “This provision will help us test a new style of support within tailored accommodation aligned to wider services and organisations.”