New initiative to help homeless

A new joint approach between Dover District Council and Folkestone and Hythe District Council is aimed at helping rough sleepers within the districts.

The councils have been successful in obtaining government funding for two bids totalling £422,000 to tackle homelessness and reduce rough sleeping. The money will pay for 8 new posts managed by the homelessness charity Porchlight. These posts include 2 specialist ‘Navigators’, who will support vulnerable female rough sleepers and those suffering from addictions. 

There will also be a new specialist Mental Health provision across both council areas, giving vital support to rough sleepers who suffer from mental health issues. Rough Sleeping Coordinator Alan White is managing the bids within the two districts. 

Cllr Sue Chandler, Cabinet Member for Housing and Health at Dover District Council said: "This new funding gives the councils, local homelessness charities and other stakeholders the tools to work in partnership to really tackle rough sleeping. By helping rough sleepers and dealing with the core issues that affect them we hope that we can get people off the streets and into proper supported accommodation." 

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Folkestone & Hythe District Council, said: "Rough sleepers are some of the most vulnerable people in our communities so it’s vital that we are able to support them. I’m delighted that we have received this funding from government to help meet their complex needs, in partnership with Porchlight."