Assessment hub opens to assist rough sleepers this winter

A temporary night assessment hub has opened to help people who would otherwise be out on the streets overnight in Liverpool.

The facility, which will operate from 8pm to 7.30am, seven days a week until 31st March, is the latest measure in Liverpool City Council’s winter plan as part of its duties under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

The Council, which has launched a public consultation on a draft homelessness and rough sleeping strategy, has worked with a number of partners to create a range of solutions, such as securing additional hotel rooms and ‘sit-up’ spaces across the city.

This is in addition to more than 60 units of dedicated ‘First Step from the Street’ accommodation being secured for rough sleepers during severe weather.

The Hub, which is close to the city centre is opening a month earlier than last winter due to higher numbers of rough sleepers, has essential amenities and provides a safe space, with separate rooms for men and women, from which to assess people’s housing and support needs.

The staff delivering the service are highly skilled at dealing with the wide range of issues associated with homelessness.

People assessed as sleeping rough will be permitted to stay overnight (sit-up style provision) until accommodation, or another solution is sourced. 

Access to the Hub will be co-ordinated by the Rough Sleeper Outreach team. Direct access will not be permitted, with the facility operating a limited capacity.

The Hub may also not be suitable for everyone, for instance those with access to accommodation they can safely return to and risk will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Outreach Service and other agencies will continue working with these individuals to access alternative solutions.

Councillor Sam East, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to work with the Whitechapel Centre to provide this facility over the winter, as we did last year, to assess rough sleepers in a safe space.

“This is not a night shelter anyone can just walk into, it’s a dedicated resource focused on helping to identify the needs of an individual and getting them into accommodation, where required, and other services as quickly as possible.

“It’s not the only service we provide and will complement the other elements of our winter plan and other rough sleeping services, but I want to be clear – this won’t stop the problem of rough sleeping.

“We have a long-term plan to address homelessness, and I hope people give their views in our consultation on the draft strategy. Their feedback is critical in shaping our plans but we also need the support of Government and a multitude of other agencies to achieve the progress everyone wants to see.”

Anyone with concerns about someone sleeping rough should contact the Always Help Available helpline: 03001232041.

Find out more at: https://liverpool.gov.uk/housing/homeless-or-at-risk/homeless/