Blackpool - rough sleeping champions

Early interventions and housing options

Blackpool Council is an Enhanced Housing Options Extra Trailblazer Authority.
 
The Single Homeless & Rough Sleeping Team (SHRST) offers a comprehensive housing needs assessment to all individuals who present with housing/ housing related issues. Combined with this is a mental health/ substance/ physical assessment. Single people/ rough sleepers are offered the same level of services as those households who have a priority need for housing, no distinctions are made, with the service provided going far beyond the advice and assistance duty required by law.
 
Two specialist single homeless assessors provide essential timely advice, assistance and appropriate intervention. In reducing the risk of rough sleeping and repeat homelessness it is vital that measures are put into place, this is achieved through referrals to other services within Housing Options such as mediation, rent bond, welfare rights, homeless prevention, housing application as well as specialist workers within the team.
 
The assessors are also responsible for the implementation of the reconnection policy and ensure that each individual has a safe and secure return and are linked up with appropriate services
 
The integrated nature of the Housing Options Service means that vulnerable individuals who present to the SHRST, including ex service personnel, and who have a potential priority need for housing are quickly identified and do not risk slipping through the net.
 
Although many individuals are happy to approach the Housing Options office for help there are some, who for various reasons feel unable to attend a traditional, official venue. It is essential that services are accessible to all, including the most hard to reach groups. We have responded to this challenge by developing outreach surgeries in key organisations / agencies to ensure that that those who are considered most vulnerable have their needs assessed and appropriate assistance given.
 
You can view a presentation on Blackpool's approach here. This presentation was given at the event Talking Street: good practice in street outreach in December 2009.
 
For further information visit the Blackpool Council website.