Tackling homelessness

Great Places continues to make tackling homelessness and rough sleeping a priority.

The highly-successful Greater Manchester Housing first pilot has helped more than 330 people into a home of their own over the last three years – some of whom had been on the streets for decades.

We also run a Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme (RSAP) in Greater Manchester and we are delighted that we have been successful with a similar project in Sheffield.

The successful bid will allow us to support people over a three year period and purchase six self contained homes in the city.

Existing Neighbourhoods stock in Sheffield will provide two further units so Great Places can support eight people at any one time.

Great Places bid in response to Sheffield City Council request for Registered Providers to support them to address the short fall in provision for rough sleepers in the city.

These safe secure homes will be made available to people so that they can lay the foundations from which to address health and wellbeing and employment and training needs and ultimately move on to their own homes.

We are currently advertising for an Engagement Worker to provide the support service, and have sales agreed for three homes to date.

Steve Donague, Head of Housing Contracts and Partnerships said: “I&W strategy is to grow our services in Yorkshire region and this service will dovetail nicely with our existing I&W scheme at St Wilfrid’s; growing our reputation as a trusted partner in Sheffield; and delivering high quality services to some of the most vulnerable people in the City.”

Nick Cumberland, Head of Programme said: “It is great to be able to work closely with Sheffield City Council, a key strategic area for Great Places, and deliver eight homes to support vulnerable people. These homes will make a huge difference to people’s lives and provide them with a solid platform from which to move forward.”

Raymond Kinsella, Head of Neighbourhoods – Yorkshire said: “We are delighted to bring our expertise in supporting vulnerable people and expanding the range of services we are providing in Sheffield.”