BOROUGH chiefs have secured a cash boost of more than £400,000 to help rough sleepers.

Cheshire East Council will receive £438,329.30 from a £112 million funding pot as part of the Government’s rough sleeping programme.

Working with charities and faith groups, the council will use the money to fund beds in various locations, along with a proactive team of support workers who encourage rough sleepers to use recognised accommodation.

Cllr Nick Mannion, cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “This funding is a welcome injection of cash into a vital service to help and support people in genuine need.

“This further round of funding will help us to develop important work in prisons and in our hospitals where some of our rough sleepers can end up.

Northwich Guardian:

“We want to make sure they have somewhere to go when discharged back into society and prevent a ‘revolving door’ scenario – where people end up back on the streets, sleeping rough.”

Government funding received last year by CEC enabled the authority to appoint a rough sleeping coordinator and build an outreach team to support rough sleepers, encouraging them to come in off the streets.

The team can also direct those in need towards emergency and longer-term accommodation. They also provide long-term help and advice, which can lead to more permanent accommodation and employment.

“We have managed to keep our numbers of rough sleepers in the borough fairly low but one rough sleeper is one too many,” said Cllr Mannion.

“We are eager to tackle the harmful effects of homelessness through a proactive prevention programme, as these can have a severe impact on family life and on children as well as an individual’s mental health and wellbeing.”

In the year to March 2019, the council helped 129 homeless people on the streets into longer term accommodation, plus a further 97 successful outcomes later in the year.

Robert Jenrick MP, housing secretary, added: “No one should have to face a night on the street and we have a moral duty to support those who need help the most.

“It is encouraging to see more people getting the support they need, but there is always more to do.

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“That is why we are providing this funding so vital work can continue as we set out to end rough sleeping once and for all.”

To report a rough sleeper who needs support, call 0300 123 5017.