Charity takes over support for rough sleepers

A charity has taken over two new contracts to help rough sleepers and those experiencing homelessness.

Julian House will take on the support services commissioned by Gloucester City Council on behalf of Gloucestershire Housing Partnership.

The charity says it will help rough sleepers in the county get accommodation and access to services they may need.

Helen Bedser, chief executive at Julian House, said: "We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and recover from the trauma of homelessness."

The new arrangement will also involve helping people at risk of rough sleeping and those who are struggling with their mental health, substance abuse or are victims of domestic violence.

The three-year contracts will see the current service split into two, with a service operating in Cheltenham and Gloucester, and another in Cotswolds, Forest of Dean, Stroud and Tewkesbury Borough.

The Streetlink referral service, where people can contact Streetlink if they suspect someone is sleeping rough, is continuing.

Ruth Saunders, co-chair of the Gloucestershire Housing Partnership and Corporate Director at Gloucester City Council, said: "Julian House have a wealth of experience and will be able to bring best practice from the other areas they operate in as well and a new approach to supporting people at this difficult time in their lives."

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