Supported housing scheme launched to help former rough sleepers in Greenwich
New accommodation for former rough sleepers with complex support needs
A new supported housing scheme has launched in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, aimed at helping former rough sleepers with complex support needs.
The Greenwich Hub, run in partnership by Thames Reach, L&Q Living, and Greenwich Council, will provide a range of specialist support for up to 12 residents who have previously slept rough and have connections to the local area.
The scheme will see clinical psychologists from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) working onsite, supporting residents and offering access to therapies. The concept, known as a psychologically informed environment, has been run successfully in a number of Thames Reach projects for people who have slept rough and have high support needs.
Residents will also have access to training, volunteering and employment opportunities, provided by Thames Reach and Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB), helping them to take steps away from homelessness and towards more independent living.
Keith, a 38-year-old resident at the Hub, said: “This place will really help a lot of people. I am really pleased to be here. The centre will give me a chance to get help with the issues I have to deal with so I can move on with my life.”
Averil Lekau, Greenwich Council cabinet member for housing and anti-poverty, said: “This is part of our positive work to reduce the number of people living rough on the streets across the Royal Borough. It provides a wonderful safe environment where people can get the opportunity to make changes and begin to move forward with their lives.”
David Gardner, Greenwich Council cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “The Greenwich Hub is about so much more than providing accommodation. It is to provide a high level of support, ranging from psychological treatments to help with jobs and training, to help residents take the right steps to improve their lives.”
Jeremy Swain, Thames Reach chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be delivering this new project in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, L&Q Living, and SLaM. It will enable us to support more people to rebuild their lives and move away from homelessness.”
Funding for the Greenwich Hub comes from the Homelessness Prevention Grant, a fund made available last year by the Department of Communities and Local Government.