165 Wiltshire rough sleepers helped into new homes in just two years

They've been supported by Wiltshire Council

A person sleeping rough
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 12th Mar 2022

A scheme to help homeless people in Wiltshire into their own homes, and provide them with support to stay there, has meant more people can get off the streets.

Wiltshire Council's been using Government funding, and working with local housing associations, to provide what they're calling a 'Housing Led' scheme.

That's supported 165 people in the county over the last two years.

Housing Led sees people given a place in accommodation first, followed up by tailored support to help them sustain that new home and stabilise their lifestyles.

It's thought offering help this way around relieves the stress of having to get support without having a home to feel safe in.

Wiltshire Council's managed to support 165 people into their own accommodation in the last two years

CASE STUDY

John has moved into his own self-contained accommodation as part of the scheme.

If he needs help he can contact his Tenancy Support Officer, who can provide practical assistance and advice towards financial awareness, referrals to other professional support agencies, support with health needs and develop more independence & life skills to deal with future crisis.

Cllr Phil Alford, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Housing said:

“I want to wish John the best of luck in his new home as he starts the next chapter in his life. We are ready to support him to make these changes a success. This is one of the many ways we can make a real difference. We have been able to provide homes for other rough sleepers who know they have back up if they need it as they move on with their lives.”

MORE SUPPORT TO COME

Wiltshire Council has secured more Government funding to provide more secure self-contained accommodation for long-term rough sleepers.

The authority's already bought three 1 bedroom properties and one 3 bedroom home for the scheme, while working to purchase another six 1 bedroom homes and another 3 bedroom property for shared living.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.