Extra funding secured to help rough sleepers

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has secured up to £24,000 in funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support initiatives designed to help reduce rough sleeping in the district.

The additional funds will be used to deliver a range of bespoke interventions for entrenched rough sleepers - for the next few months whilst the weather remains cold.

Cllr Jacqui Harris, Health, Wellbeing and Housing Portfolio says: "This announcement is fantastic news for Stratford district. Our aim is to ensure that all those that need it, are all given the help, support and access to services that they need. The funding that has been secured will help to provide for some of the district's most vulnerable residents."

Stratford-on-Avon District Council already operates the Stratford Link Project providing: 

• Housing advice/homelessness
• Benefits and budget service
• Debt assistance
• Drug and alcohol advice
• Employment, education and volunteering advice
• Health advice
• Recreational activities

Stratford Link Project: (Open Monday to Friday: 10am to 1pm) 14 Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BA; please note that access to the Link Project is at the rear, through Shrieves Walk off Sheep Street, or via Old Red Lion Court.

Those wishing to support the Link can make a financial donation at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stratfordlinkproject

The District Council also operates an enhanced Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) - offering rough sleepers overnight shelter and accommodation during extreme weathers conditions.

Other support organisations include:

P3 Charity: housing-related floating support service to over 25s in Warwickshire: 0808 164 6220

St Basils: housing-related floating support to those aged 16 to 25 in Warwickshire: text NEED ST BASILS to 62277 or call 01789 332 540

CGL (Change, Grow, Live): alcohol and drug treatment centre: 16 Court St, Leamington Spa, CV31 2BB Tel: 01926 353513

Citizens Advice Bureau: 25 Meer Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Tel: 01789 200136

JobCentrePlus: Martin Raff House, Alcester Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DA. Tel: 0345 604 3719