Posted on 3rd Apr
Rough sleepers are being given extra support from Newark and Sherwood District Council and its partners during the coronavirus pandemic.
The council acted ahead of a Government deadline to ensure that those who are homeless had help to take them off the streets and to reduce their risk of contracting the virus.
Among the support being provided by the Council and its partners and partner agencies is:
·Accommodation with bed and washing facilities.
·Providing information on staying safe and t how to access support services during the crisis.
·Key food essentials
·Supporting in accessing prescription medication
·Advice on helping them to avoid being street homeless in the future.
Council leader David Lloyd said: “We have been proactive in ensuring that rough sleepers were not exposed to the risks posed by Coronavirus and had already taken steps to provide accommodation well ahead of the Government’s deadline. Our ongoing work with local agencies and partners is such that we have a good understanding of what was needed locally and have appropriate support in place.
“This is a public health emergency and it is critical to act to provide the support to those who are among the most vulnerable in our community.
“We are also in contact with those who are at risk of becoming street homeless and support is in place to ensure that they do not end up on the streets.”
If anyone knows of somebody who is still sleeping rough they should contact StreetLink, which helps connect those who are sleeping rough with the local services. It can be accessed via the app or online www.streetlink.org.uk/
