In Coventry we have a real multi-agency approach to helping people who face homelessness, whether that’s families potentially facing eviction from a property, or because of a breakdown in a relationship, or supporting rough sleepers with complex needs.

We talked to some of our partners to find out how they feel about their work and the contribution they make to people’s wellbeing. We’ll profile more of these agencies in the coming weeks.

Spring Housing provide a range of holistic support and accommodation working with the Council housing and homelessness team, and offer to help meet local housing need.

Raj Shergill, who is responsible for customer services at Spring Housing, said:

Spring offer in the excess of 120 bedspaces across the city which are commissioned and non-commissioned offering accommodation both in a hostel and self-contained setting.

“A total of eight bedspaces within our 24-hour hostel services are designated to individuals who have no recourse to public funds and or a history of rough sleeping – this service is delivered jointly in direct partnership with the Homeless Outreach Teams.

“Our joint partnership with the city (and a range of voluntary and statutory agencies) over the last two years has meant that Spring has helped to support in the excess of 200 individuals who required housing provision. A large percentage of these have moved on into settled more permanent housing within the city.

Kiri Freya Jolliffe, from the Coventry Migrant and Refugee Centre, believes the multi—agency approach is vital. She added:

“At the Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, our Combating Destitution Team collaborates closely with Coventry City Council’s Rough Sleeping team.

“This collaboration is facilitated by an outreach worker who addresses clients’ diverse needs, ranging from homelessness and immigration to providing support for drug and alcohol issues or simply offering someone to talk to.

“The combined efforts of these teams are indispensable to individuals seeking these services. Both teams exert significant effort to make a positive impact, ensuring their services are easily accessible.”

A venue called Steps for Change also operates in the city at the city arcade from 9.30am till 4.30am, Monday to Friday.

Louise Morley, support worker at Steps for Change, working for ARC, a peer led drug and alcohol service, based in Coventry, believes the multi-agency approach works.

Louise said:

“In some ways the way we work is a lot better for people. It means that people can access better support.

“It also means that we can access support and help people possibly end this cycle of homelessness. We can look at the wider picture of why they are homeless and what we can possibly do to support them, so this cycle doesn’t continue year after year after year.

If you see someone sleeping rough then please report the details and location to thestreetlink.org.uk and the city’s outreach team will encourage them to get support and find emergency accommodation.