Ending homelessness "isn't just providing a bed for the night" says South Yorkshire Deputy Mayor
She recently visited one of Sheffield council’s support initiatives
South Yorkshire is set to benefit from an extra £9 million to tackle homelessness, as the region’s Deputy Mayor says that solving the issue requires more than just putting a roof over people’s heads.
The latest Government investment follows a previous allocation of £9 million in April, meaning the region now has £18 million assigned to deal with homelessness.
And as work commences, South Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor, Kilvinder Vigurs - who has responsibility for the region’s Homelessness Task Force - met with members of Sheffield City Council’s Changing Futures service.
The council initiative is designed to provide support to disadvantaged people tackling homelessness, addiction or domestic abuse.
Following the visit, the Deputy Mayor said: “Ending rough sleeping isn't just about providing a bed for the night. It's about helping people feel safe, secure and supported, and making sure nobody is left to face life's challenges alone. That helps build safer, stronger communities for everyone.
“What we heard from people with lived experience was clear. A home matters, but so do friendship, purpose and the right support around you. Too many people are still passed between services or blocked from moving forward by their past. Peer support can make a huge difference because it brings trust, understanding and hope.
“I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to ensure every rough sleeper is offered a route off the streets this winter. Here in South Yorkshire, we'll use the further £9 million to build on the work of our Homelessness Task Force, strengthen support and help more people find not just a safe place to live, but a real chance to rebuild their lives.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has laid out plans to offer everyone a route off the streets by Christmas.
He has assigned £442 million in funding to support this, with hopes it will go towards offering homeless people practical help with housing, health and opportunities to build a stable life.
The PM added: “No-one should have to bed down in a doorway or outside a station. But we’ve seen it for so long that it feels like Westminster has started to accept it.
“I won’t accept it. That’s why my first instruction as Prime Minister was to end rough sleeping. And it’s why today we’re getting started with a national drive to get everyone in for Christmas.
“We did it in the pandemic. We can do it again. But it needs all of us. Government will put the money in. But I’m asking leaders in communities and sectors across society to play their part locally too.
“Let’s get people out the cold. And let’s bring back hope.”
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