Relief in sight for Oak Tree homeless
A new winter relief service for the homeless is being launched on the Oak Tree Lane Estate in Mansfield this week.
The events - to be held throughout January and into February at the Barrowhill Community Link - include the chance for rough sleepers to get warm drinks, food and advice about homeless services.
Advisors from Mansfield District Council's homeless service and Stonham Housing, who provide support for young people at risk from their base on the Oak Tree Lane Estate, will be on hand at the sessions to provide support or signpost people to other organisations who can help.
The service will initially be available from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday 13, 20 and 27 January, Tuesday 18 and 25 January and Tuesday 1 February.
The service is the brainchild of Lorraine, Mansfield District Council's neighbourhood warden for the Oak Tree estate, after she noticed a rise in the amount of homeless people in the area during her patrols.
Lorraine said, "In recent months there has been a noticeable increase in rough sleepers in the Oak Tree area, despite the freezing temperatures..
"I've seen some people sleeping rough in communal areas of flats and in tents. From speaking to people I've also found out about many others are sleeping on friend's sofas and floors when they can.
"I wanted to do something to help so I spoke with Barbara and Clive Belford from Oak Tree SAFE and we came up with the idea of running the service from Barrowhill Community Link. As well as providing a hot drink and food, hopefully we can point people in the direction of where they can get support to get a roof over their heads."
The service has been funded by local Nottinghamshire County Councillors through their division fund allocations.
For further information about the service call 01623 638 880 or visit the Barrowhill Community Link webpage.