One of our top priorities is to ensure proper support services are in place to help the most vulnerable members of society. Rough sleepers, and those in danger of rough sleeping, fall into this category and in recent years we have really stepped up our efforts to help them.

Getting people off the streets and into safe and secure accommodation can be a long and difficult job, but the numbers of rough sleepers in Swindon has reduced dramatically over the last few years. According to the official count that took place in September, there were 20 rough sleepers currently on the streets. This is down from 45 when the count took place in 2017, which suggests our approach is working.

However, we know there is still plenty of work to be done.

Last week it was announced that we are to receive more than £460,000 of government funding to provide even better services for those facing housing difficulties. This cash injection is most welcome and is the result of the hard work the Council’s Housing team have done to persuade the Government to give us the tools we need to offer even better services to rough sleepers.

The money will enable us to continue the work we are doing and will give us the chance to go above and beyond, making sure we reach the people who need us the most. It will allow us to continue with our successful Housing First scheme and recruit an extra team member to expand the service. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It focuses on ensuring people are provided with accommodation and are given specialist, tailored support to enable them to keep their tenancy.

The money will also allow us to retain our team of dedicated rough sleeper navigators, undertake essential maintenance work to the building used for the temporary winter housing scheme and recruit two new recovery coordinators who will provide mental health support to rough sleepers. The Council also works closely with partner agencies in providing street based services with the Drugs and Alcohol Service. This is further supported by our Homelessness Hub at the Haven on Queens Drive where not only those experiencing homelessness can have basic needs met such as food and clothing but also specific counselling sessions.

The needs of veterans from the Armed Services are also acknowledged in the Council’s Armed Services Covenant, it is important to recognise what can be a difficult journey to civilian life and our support includes links with Armed Services Charities as well as those at the Haven.

The funding will also see the creation of an important new job role – a prison release and hospital discharge officer to ensure people coming out of prison or hospital have somewhere to go and don’t end up having to sleep on the streets.

In short, this extra money will allow us to build on the successes we have already had in reducing the numbers of rough sleepers in Swindon and will allow us to expand our services even further.