Local help for people who sleep rough or are at risk of becoming homeless this winter is being highlighted by Bath and North East Somerset support agencies – and an urgent appeal is being made for self-contained accommodation as part of the vaccination push.

Bath & North East Somerset Council and its Homelessness Partnership partners Julian House and Developing Health & Independence (DHI) are highlighting where residents can go for help, whether for themselves or someone else, and what they can do to make a difference.

Since the ‘Everyone In’ initiative directed by the Government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the partners report that most homeless people who were offered accommodation in April 2020 are still inside, having secured either a permanent or supported temporary living option and are on a path to independent living.

Accommodation for people who are homeless and test positive for Covid has already been made available and is in use now, providing a safe and warm place to quarantine. However, due to the increased levels of Covid infection and the new Omicron strain, on Monday, 20th December, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities announced new funds to make sure that accommodation is available for any person rough sleeping this winter.

An allocation of £122,000 has been made to B&NES Council to cover the cost of providing self-contained accommodation for this winter. Another £15,000 has been allocated to assist with removing barriers to getting vaccinated.

The most commonly cited reason not to take up the offer of vaccination is not having accommodation to rest in should they need it due to feeling the ‘flu-like symptoms often experienced due to the vaccination. The hope is that by ensuring accommodation is available, more rough sleepers will choose to book a vaccination and protect themselves and others against infection.

To make sure this happens, B&NES Council needs to find accommodation for up to eight people that is immediately available or that may be available immediately for up to three months. Rent and utilities will be covered by the grant and full support will be in place to ensure the residents’ safety, wellbeing and ability to look after the accommodation.

If you are a landlord and think you may be able to help with this, please contact Ann Robins at: [email protected] or on: 07813 401903

In Bath, Nationwide have a ‘Tap and Donate’ point for contactless donations.

Julian House administer the fund to help equip people with the items they need when they are moving on from sleeping rough.

Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for Adults and Council House Building, said: “It’s testament to the strong working relationship we have with our partners that there is a wide range of practical and personal support for people who are homeless this winter. If we have particularly cold weather, plans are in place to ensure that there is enough emergency provision to offer everyone a bed.

“I hope people find this reassuring if they need help for themselves or for someone else facing homelessness. Come to Julian House, DHI or the Council’s Housing Options team and you will be offered the right help and advice. I’m also pleased that the Homeless Partnership are ready to keep people safe if they contract Covid. I know the infection rates amongst our rough sleepers have been low this year, thanks to the support already offered, including an excellent vaccination offer.”

Cecil Weir, Fundraising and PR Director at Julian House, said: “We are a generous nation and instinctively most people want to support people they see on the street. Giving money is not the best way to do that. It may unfortunately be used to feed the very issue which has put that individual in such a vulnerable position. It would be much better to support one of the agencies which is providing support and a sustainable route off the street.”

Nik Brown, Reach Service Manager at DHI said: “It is encouraging that in these cold months, there is no need for anyone facing homelessness to go hungry or to sleep rough. Supported housing enables people to overcome the barriers they are facing and live a fuller, independent life.”

If anyone is concerned about an individual that they see on the street, particularly in the smaller towns and villages in B&NES, they should contact the Streetlink hotline – a very efficient means to relay such information to local outreach staff. The number is: 0300 500 0914.

Contact details for the Homelessness Partnership organisations are:

• Julian House – visit: https://www.julianhouse.org.uk/, email: [email protected] or call: 01225 354650.

• DHI – visit: https://www.dhi-online.org.uk/, email: [email protected] or call: 01225 478730.

• Genesis Trust – visit: https://genesistrust.org.uk, email: [email protected] or call: 01225 463549

• Mental health support from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Ilthttp://www.awp.nhs.uk/