'I feel lucky to be here' - the new scheme helping Peterborough's rough sleepers
The scheme first opened in April this year
Rough sleepers in Peterborough have said a new initiative is making a difference to their lives.
Peterborough City Council's 'Off the Streets' scheme is aiming to get people sleeping rough into accommodation.
First scheme of its kind
The scheme - which opened in April - supports rough sleepers until they're able to get long term housing and the council said it's the first of its kind in the country.
One person currently staying in the accommodation is Paul, who has suffered from a range of addictions and mental health issues over several decades, and found himself on the streets.
His health is improving with medication and support from various services, and now he is working towards moving into independent accommodation.
'I don’t think I’d have done it on my own'
“In temporary accommodation such as guest houses I didn’t really have the stability to conquer personal problems," he said.
"Being vulnerable and having mental health problems I don’t think I’d have done it on my own, so I feel lucky to be looked after here."
“This new scheme has helped me quit drinking and become a better person, and I feel lucky in my current situation – so far so good.
The properties can help up to 17 people with multiple and complex needs, for whom other temporary solutions such as hotels and B&Bs may be unsuitable.
They're designed to help ensure they are given intensive support to help them gain a pathway into permanent accommodation and prevent them from returning to the streets.
I can only see it as a positive for people in the city who might need that extra care
“The concept that the housing team have devised is unique; people come in and receive all the wraparound support that they need," Councillor Alison Jones, cabinet member for housing and communities, said.
“Sometimes that’s life skills that we take for granted such as cooking or budget skills, or perhaps it’s visits from health specialists.
“I can only see it as a positive for people in the city who might need that extra care.
“We believe that bringing them into this safe space will help them breathe and develop; although this is not ‘their home’ we want them to feel like it is one.”