Chesterfield Borough Council supports ‘Everyone In’ initiative
Chesterfield Borough Council, along with its near neighbouring local authorities in the North Derbyshire Homelessness Forum, has stepped up its efforts to tackle homelessness and ensure that everyone has an offer of suitable shelter at this difficult time.
Government guidance has highlighted that rough sleepers and the homeless are particularly vulnerable to COVID 19 because they have limited access to important health messaging, have difficulty self-isolating and they often rely upon the generosity of the local community in receiving food and other donations, which due to the current situation has been significantly reduced.
The ‘Everyone In’ Government initiative aims to house all rough sleepers and homeless people and, in this area, is being organised through the combined efforts of Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council, Amber Valley Borough Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council.
The councils are also working closely with partner agencies including Pathways of Chesterfield, Derbyshire Law Centre, P3 Charity and Derbyshire County Council, including Public Health.
Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are working very hard to identify all members of the local community who require support at this difficult time. This approach of partnership working helps ensure that all those identified, no matter what problems they are facing will receive the shelter and support that they need.”
Working together, the North Derbyshire Homelessness Forum have been able to provide a range of accommodation options including:
- Furnished flats and houses within the local authorities’ own stock
- Existing bed and breakfast providers
- Supported accommodation for higher needs cases
- Exclusive use of a local hotel
However, Chesterfield Borough Council recognise that simply providing shelter is often not the only solution to the problems faced by this vulnerable community and have therefore arranged for internal and external support to be available, including the provision of food supplies for the most vulnerable. The main objective of this initiative is to assist people by helping them to isolate and therefore avoid going outside.
Everyone has their own specific needs and requirements which is why the council have identified a team of key professionals including council homelessness officers, public health staff and specialist homeless support workers from the voluntary sector. This team will carefully assess each person needing somewhere to stay and make the most appropriate placement in accordance with their needs and their safety.
Our outreach teams are currently operating as normal and are trying to make contact with rough sleepers where they are made aware of them. This is a vital part of the process in identifying and contacting rough sleepers.
Chesterfield Borough Council is also currently operating a telephone interview service for homeless households in need of assistance. The main homelessness contact number is now 07870 277291 or referrals can be made via email to homelessness.prevention@chesterfield.gov.uk.
Pathways of Chesterfield, who the council work in partnership with to deliver essential support services, can also accept referrals from the public or people requiring assistance. Pathways can be contacted on 01246 498204. You can also refer rough sleepers via the Streetlink service: www.streetlink.org.uk. Should you need assistance outside of office hours please contact the out of hours team by calling Derbyshire County Council on 01629 533190.
Stay up to date with all the latest information about coronavirus on the Chesterfield Borough Council dedicated hub: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/coronavirus
