Last month, we mentioned that funding had been given to Sheffield City Council to tackle unemployment and equal opportunities in the City. We wanted to take a further look into what the council are doing for the under-privileged. It seems that a lot of money is being put towards helping people help themselves, and the latest news is in regards to a project helping people get off the streets and into suitable living arrangements.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping

The council has been given just over £400,000 to help get rough sleepers off the street and into emergency accommodation. This money came from the Government Rough Sleeping Initiative, and will enable the council to help rough sleepers arrange longer-term accommodation.

The team responsible have stated that they already have specialist officers in place who will be working specifically with prison leavers (who have a higher risk of reoffending if sleeping rough) and vulnerable women. The initiative will also put rough sleepers in touch with a community nurse so they have access to regular health assessments.

New ‘Safe Place’ Scheme

A new Scheme ‘Safe Place’, is being piloted in Sheffield and explains how the council plan to manage their goals. They have stated that wherever possible, the council will help vulnerable individuals return home. However if this is not possible, they will assist people in applying for longer term housing, working with partner agencies and specialist services to prevent people returning to the streets.

The pilot is a collaboration between Sheffield city council, the Cathedral Archer Project, St Wilfrid’s Centre, Framework street outreach team and Ben’s Centre. For now, rough sleepers are able to stay at the Cathederal Archer Project, with next-day assessments and a hot meal provided.

Although the funding is very important, enough praise cannot be given to the charity workers and volunteers who give their time and know-how to help. Although this project is only temporary, it will give great insight into how we should change to adapt to this challenge. Sheffield has a great network of supportive services and we hope to see the living improve for all residents of the city.