Rough sleeper outreach service launched

Homeless people in Rochdale are being offered extra support thanks to a jointly funded outreach project.

The new rough sleepers project will work to help people living on the streets to access advice, support and practical help to secure accommodation.

The new service will be delivered by the local charity Petrus, which helps homeless people to move on to live stable, happy, and, where appropriate, independent lives. The scheme is being paid for by Supporting People, a council, health and probation partnership and Petrus will also work closely with other services for the homeless.

Petrus is open seven days a week and provides support and advice on a wide range of issues including housing, benefits, medical and welfare services, access to education and training opportunities as well as practical support in the form of washing facilities, clothing, bedding and food.

Rochdale Council’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Doreen Brophy-Lee said: “People end up on the streets for many different and often complex reasons and we want to make sure that the support we put in place for them is able to meet their needs. We are now at a point where no one has to live rough any more, but some people still choose to. The new service is designed to reach out to those people and help them to move into a safer and more stable way of life.”

As part of its drive to tackle homelessness, the council and its partners are also urging people not to donate to beggars on the street, but to give to local homeless charities such as Petrus and the Salvation Army at Providence House instead. This ensures that people get the help where they need it most and are not encouraged to stay in the cycle of rough sleeping.

For more details on the how to make a donation to the main charities in Rochdale that work with street homeless, visit www.rochdalepetruscommunity.org.uk or phone the Salvation Army at Providence House on 01706 645151.

For further information about other homeless charities that operate in the town contact the Supporting People team on 01706 926718.