Worcester City Council has allocated £66,000 in funding to St Paul’s Hostel for a new job post, whose role will be to aid hostel residents to move into their own accommodation.
The new Move-On Worker will help people to meet the various challenges of moving from the hostel into permanent accommodation.
This will free up space for more rough sleepers to access the accommodation and support offered by St Paul’s.
Money for this role has come from the Government’s Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures funding.
The City Council works in partnership with a wide range of agencies across Worcester to support people facing homelessness and funds a number of services using Government homelessness grants.
This includes supporting services delivered by local charities St Paul’s and Maggs, aimed at helping rough sleepers to access and sustain accommodation.
In addition, the Council funds the Caring for Communities and People (CCP) organisation, who operate the No Second Night Out scheme, under which rough sleepers who are new to the streets are provided with accommodation. During periods of severe weather, CCP also operates a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), including the opening of a night shelter in partnership with Hope Church.
The City Council’s dedicated homelessness team works closely with these organisations, with regular meetings held to collaborate on rough sleeping.
The Council also works with a partnership of charities, support services and volunteers to co-ordinate their work in the city centre – with the scheme known as Worcester Cares.
Erica Burlace, CEO at St Paul’s Hostel, said: “St Paul’s recognises the vital role of partnership working in delivering consistent and meaningful support to both our team and the residents of our hostel and resettlement properties.
“We are working closely with Worcester City Council to develop sustainable solutions to tackle homelessness.
“The funding for a Move-On Worker is a significant and welcome step as we transition to a model focused on breaking the cycle of homelessness.
“This investment will help bridge a critical service gap, enabling a more proactive approach to move-on support.
“Over time, it will have a direct impact on reducing homelessness and rough sleeping in the city, forming part of a wider strategy for long-term success.
“We are excited for the future, strengthened by collaboration and a shared commitment to lasting change.”
Councillor Jill Desayrah, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee, said: “We are fortunate to have a dedicated network of organisations in Worcester working together to support vulnerable and homeless individuals.
“The City Council remains committed to reducing rough sleeping and, where possible, eliminating it altogether.
“This latest funding commitment to St Paul’s Hostel will further strengthen our support for people who are at risk of becoming homeless or who are sleeping rough.
“If you see someone sleeping on the street please report them to www.thestreetlink.org.uk so that help can be given to them.”
Anyone who spots someone sleeping on the street is asked to report them to www.thestreetlink.org.uk so that help can be given to them.
