Wakefield Council are committed to ensure the causes of rough sleeping within the district are addressed and services are available to assist people who feel they have no alternative but to consider rough sleeping. It is important that you are aware of services that may be able to help you.
Rough Sleeper Outreach worker
The Rough Sleeper outreach service is located at Wakefield rent deposit scheme, with drop-in sessions offered at various locations across the district. The rough sleeper worker assesses the barriers that individual rough sleepers encounter, and looks to help the clients get housing. Both pre and post tenancy support is available.
The Project aims to:
- Provide a point of contact for rough sleepers
- Provide support to rough sleepers to cope whilst they are rough sleeping
- Assist rough sleepers with the process of applying for housing and providing options for accommodation
- Support former rough sleepers in understanding their tenancy agreements and the implications of breaching these
- Signpost and refer rough sleepers to appropriate agencies, taking a holistic view of their needs
- Assist rough sleepers to develop the relevant skills required for independent living. These range from budgeting to filling in application forms
- Maximise rough sleeper income by assisting with applications for welfare benefits and, when appropriate, housing benefits
For more information you can call Wakefield Rent Deposit Scheme on 01924 304575 or check online at www.wrds.org.uk
