Residents who are homeless or concerned about losing their home are being reminded that support is available in Swindon.
The reminder follows a visit by Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, to key homelessness prevention and support services across the borough on 9 September.
Latest homelessness statistics published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) showed Swindon is helping a higher proportion of people avoid or move on from homelessness than the national average.
The figures show homelessness is being prevented or relieved in 58 per cent of cases in Swindon, compared with a national average of 49 per cent. Rough sleeping remains relatively low in Swindon, with an average of six people sleeping rough each night in the Borough.
On average, 56 households each month are prevented from becoming homeless, while a further 63 households are helped to secure alternative accommodation.
The visit showcased the range of support available to residents, from early intervention and homelessness prevention to emergency assistance and longer-term accommodation.
Councillor Courtliff initially met the Council’s Homelessness Prevention Team, based at Beckhampton Street. The team has a statutory duty to help prevent homelessness and assist residents in finding suitable accommodation where necessary.
The service works closely with people facing housing difficulties, often helping them to remain in their current home where it is safe and appropriate to do so. This can include working with landlords, family members or others who may be asking someone to leave, ensuring the process is fair and legal while exploring options to prevent homelessness.
A stop at The Haven Day Centre followed, which provides vital support for people who are homeless and vulnerable. The centre offers breakfast and lunch, hot drinks, shower and laundry facilities, access to phones and computers, and a welcoming space where people can receive advice and support.
Councillor Matty Courtliff, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property at Swindon Borough Council, said:
The latest figures show that our homelessness prevention work is making a real difference, with Swindon helping a higher proportion of people avoid or move on from homelessness than the national average.”
“Behind those figures are residents who have received support to stay in their home, secure alternative accommodation or access help before their situation reaches crisis point.
“However, every person facing homelessness is one too many and we know there is still more to do.
“During my visit, I saw at first hand the range of support available across Swindon, from early intervention and practical advice through to emergency accommodation and longer-term support.
“I would encourage anyone who is worried about their housing situation to get in touch as soon as possible. The earlier we can provide support, the more options are available to help people remain in their home or find suitable accommodation.
Residents who are homeless or concerned about losing their home can contact the Homelessness Prevention Team by calling 01793 445500 or visiting the team at Beckhampton Street, SN1 2JH, without an appointment.
Anyone concerned about a person sleeping rough can alert local support services through StreetLink, helping outreach teams connect people with the support available.
Image 1: From left to right: Chelsie Ntsiu, Rough Sleeper Team Manager, Sarah Banting, Head of Homelessness and Community Safety, Vikki Castle, Housing Options Manager and Councillor Matty Courtliff, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, outside of the Homeless Prevention Centre
