ALL six local authorities in Gloucestershire are raising awareness of the support services available for those at risk of homelessness following World Homeless Day on Sunday (October 10).

Local councils, including Forest of Dean District Council and Gloucestershire County Council, are working together with partner organisations to ensure those at risk of homelessness in Gloucestershire get the support they need.

As winter approaches, the countywide Gloucestershire Strategic Housing Partnership is focusing on preventing homelessness, and ensuring those who do become homeless have access to "a warm and stable home".

Chair of the countywide partnership Ruth Saunders said: "If you are worried about losing your home in the coming months, we urge you to get in contact with your local council at the earliest opportunity so they can offer advice and support to prevent you becoming homeless."

In recent years, in addition to preventing homelessness, a "major focus" of the partnership has been working to help rough sleepers in the county.

Through the pandemic, local councils ensured that everyone at risk was provided with accommodation as part of a campaign called ’Everyone In’.

Since then, the partnership has provided an additional 59 homes across the county to support those accommodated to live independently in their own homes, with 30 more expected to become available in the coming months.

People accommodated through such programmes also receive "individual, one-to-one support" to help them recover from homelessness and "pursue their personal goals".  

The partnership is "stepping up efforts" to identify and support those who are sleeping on the streets, but are asking local residents to help by referring those they see sleeping rough to online support website Streetlink.

"No one should have to sleep on the streets and it can be particularly dangerous in cold weather", Ruth continued.

"It is really important we get people the support they need as soon as possible.

"If you spot someone sleeping outside, I would encourage you to help them reach local services by using Street Link to make a referral."

More information for Forest residents can be found at www.fdean.gov.uk/housing/homelessness-support-and-advice, and www.streetlink.org.uk.