Lancaster City Council and its partners continue to make significant progress in encouraging some of the districts most vulnerable residents to take up the help on offer and stay off the streets
Since the start of the pandemic, the council’s homelessness team has stepped up its patrols of rough sleeper hotspots in the area, to remind anyone they come across of the danger they’re in by refusing the offer of shelter.
The support available to rough sleepers all year round includes access to a range of accommodation, specialist support including health and wellbeing services, as well as one-to-one support via community service provider Calico. The council also works with social agencies and faith groups to give individuals the help they need to turn their lives around.
Once in accommodation, rough sleepers are provided with the essential food supplies and any practical equipment they might need to reduce the likelihood of them returning to the streets.
Behind the scenes, work continues to nip potential cases of homelessness in the bud, with a team on standby to help anyone in danger of losing their homes to resolve their housing issues or find alternative accommodation.
Councillor Caroline Jackson, Cabinet member for homelessness and housing, said: “The fantastic work being undertaken by the council and its partners to support and house rough sleepers has been tremendously successful. We are in a better position now than ever of ridding the district of homelessness for good.
“There will always be the danger though of former rough sleepers returning to the city centre to socialise or beg for money. It is important therefore that people refrain from offering money to those they think are homeless, so they have little reason to linger there.
“Offering money and food also poses a risk of spreading the virus, especially with the arrival of a new strain which is spreading faster than previous ones.”
Anyone wanting to donate money to give local homeless people a real chance of turning their lives around, can do so online via Lancaster District Street Aid at www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/streetaid.
Donations via the scheme generate a pot of funding that individuals can apply for, with assistance from their supporting organisation, and includes provision of furniture and other home essentials, help to pay for hair appointments, education/training courses, clothing for job interviews, transport to interviews/places of work and to search for employment.
Anyone worried about someone who might be rough sleeping and not known to the council, or in danger of becoming homeless themselves, can call the council on 01524 582257 during office hours or 01524 67099 outside office hours and at weekends. Alternatively you can email strategichousing@lancaster.gov.uk and someone will be in touch.
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
