Extra support for the homeless as temperature drops

Support for people on the streets as the cold weather continues

Efforts to support people on the streets in Rochdale are being stepped up as the cold weather continues.

Volunteers have been on the streets to speak to each person, give them support and help them find a place to stay.

A group of charities and organisations has teamed up to create a special fund that will be used to provide vulnerable people with practical items they need to build new lives away from the streets.

Supported accommodation is provided and people are helped to with a tenancy agreement, to furnish a new home, manage income and expenditure, and build a positive productive life in the community away from the streets.

Help with jobs, training, counselling and advice are made available.

Councillor Neil Emmott, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We work hard all year to support people who are on the streets, in partnership with organisations like Petrus and the Sanctuary Trust.

"We know that people are particularly vulnerable during the winter, so we always put extra measures in place at this time of year.

“We know that this is only a short term solution, so a lot of our resources go into projects which help get people off the streets permanently by addressing the issues that lead to homelessness.”

Members of the public who would like to support people on the streets can donate online at:

www.bigchangerochdale.co.uk

All donations are split between local homelessness charities.