Stoke-on-Trent awarded funding to help tackle homelessness and rough sleeping

Partnership working to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping is set to continue across Stoke-on-Trent.

The city council has been allocated cash from various government initiatives to support the ongoing work it is doing to help rough sleepers in Stoke-on-Trent and those facing homelessness.

The latest round of funding – which looks set to be agreed by cabinet members at a meeting later this month –  will enable the council to continue to provide vital services to support rough sleepers and homeless individuals in the city.

This includes extending the current agreements it has in place with partners delivering these important services, such as Brighter Futures, Honeycomb Group and the North Staffs Combined Healthcare Trust, for a further 12 months.

It comes as Stoke-on-Trent City Council is currently reviewing its Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy which sets out the authority’s vision and priorities for tackling homelessness and rough sleeping over the next five years.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Our support services, provided with trusted partners, do a great job in supporting rough sleepers and those facing homelessness.

"But despite those efforts, rough sleeping continues to rise - nationally and locally - due to housing pressures and the cost of living crisis. We are determined to do more.

“We recently undertook a review into homelessness and rough sleeping to help us get an understanding of the current picture of homelessness in the city and this has given us an idea of where to focus our resources in the future.

“Everybody has the right to a decent home, and we are determined to do everything we can to ensure everyone has the support they need to live independently."

Over the past three years, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has developed and delivered a range of initiatives in collaboration with partners, including:

• A Homeless Hub which supports more than 900 people every month
• Enhanced outreach support via the Rough Sleepers Outreach Team which has supported over 330 individuals out of rough sleeping
• Health and mental health support to help people access universal health services and manage chronic conditions, with around 250 people accessing the service per month
• Providing long-term accommodation options for individuals moving on from emergency off-street accommodation such as B&Bs and night shelters. This service has supported around 65 individuals during 24/25.

Anyone concerned about a person sleeping rough, or at risk of sleeping rough, is encouraged to report it to the city council via the website or by calling the Rough Sleepers team on 0800 970 2304 which is a free phone number.

Alternatively visit www.brighter-futures.org.uk or www.thestreetlink.org.uk.