North Devon District Council: New temporary accommodation pods for rough sleepers
The project
The council’s Rough Sleeper Outreach Team secured Rough Sleeper Initiative funding of £1,162,792, a percentage of which was used to develop a rough sleeper accommodation pod facility. These pods are basic but secure glamping style shepherd’s huts. This allows the team to house rough sleepers in North Devon, offering them safe accommodation and helping to address their often-complex needs.
These person-centred services are delivered by a true intra-agency team made up of council officers (housing specialist, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, Community Safety Officer), Devon & Cornwall Police Partnership Police Constable, drug & alcohol specialist, Devon Partnership Trust Mental Health specialist, NHS physical health nurse, M5 security welfare officers, supported accommodation key workers, Outreach Navigators and day centre staff. They provide outreach welfare checks, bed spaces and night shelters, along with medical treatment, mental health support, helping people who wish to address their drug and alcohol use and opportunities for work. Â This winter (2022/23), 12 individuals at any one time will have the benefit of these facilities.
The benefits
At the simplest level this project fulfils a need for basic safe shelter for those on the streets, with no pressure attached. It will aid some of the most vulnerable people in the North Devon community, making sure people can access help they need, when and where they need it.
