The number of rough sleepers in Mansfield has dropped significantly thanks to innovative measures introduced by Mansfield District Council.
The annual street count, which took place last month (October 2020), found seven rough sleepers in the district – down from 22 in 2019.
This success is the result of the council helping to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place and working with partner organisations to provide accommodation and specialist support for those living on the streets.
Those at risk of becoming homeless are urged to contact the council at the earliest opportunity for help and advice. Support is available to help with rent or mortgage arrears and to find alternative accommodation.
Eight of Mansfield’s most entrenched rough sleepers have recently secured their own tenancies as part of the council’s innovative First Steps project. Financed by £310,628 from the Government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative, the council works in partnership with Action Housing and Change Grow Live (CGL) to provide accommodation alongside intensive support for complex issues such as mental health and substance misuse. A further 12 bed spaces will become available in the next two months.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the council is working with the YMCA to provide self-contained accommodation for rough sleepers throughout the winter in place of a shelter. Bed spaces will be available in the YMCA’s supported accommodation and in the council’s own temporary accommodation. Framework’s Street Outreach Team and the council’s Housing Solutions team will ensure all known rough sleepers and anyone who presents as homeless in the coming weeks are aware of the referral process for a bed over the winter and in the event of severe weather.
Councillor Marion Bradshaw, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities, Housing and Wellbeing said: “We are pleased that a number of rough sleepers have embraced the support being offered by the council and its partners and made a commitment to create a better future for themselves.
“There is no need for anybody to be homeless in Mansfield this winter or at any other time of the year as a wealth of advice and practical help is available. I’d strongly urge anyone who is experiencing difficulties to get in touch as soon as they can so we can work with them.”
Visit our housing webpage for support for those facing homelessness or call 01623 463463.
If you see anyone sleeping rough in the district, contact Framework’s Street Outreach 24-hour hotline on 0800 066 5356 or via the StreetLink website (opens in new window) to ensure they are offered the necessary support.