Money pledged to bring new support to homeless

‘We can provide life-changing help to some of the most marginalised people’

A new project designed to get Ashford’s rough sleepers off the streets has been set up by the borough council and charity Porchlight.

The initiative is being led by Rupert Cook, from the charity, who has already helped get four people into temporary accommodation.

This includes Randal Lilly, 64, who until a few weeks ago had been living in a shed in South Willesborough on and off since 2013.

Mr Lilly, who is waiting to move into his new flat in the Panorama in Ashford, was identified as a high priority and will now be supported by the charity until his permanent residence becomes available.

Funding for the scheme has come from Ashford Borough Council.

Mr Cook said: “Historically, Ashford has not had a large number of people sleeping rough but there was a slight increase last year. The council has taken a proactive approach, providing funding for a rough sleeper worker to engage with the town’s street population and to act as a liaison between individuals and the relevant support services.”

Mr Cook’s role involves going out in the morning and late at night to find people sleeping rough and to encourage them to accept support.

He can then make referrals to external agencies including men- tal health or drug and alcohol support services, plus the council, to address his clients’ housing situation.

Once their immediate housing needs are met, he can then start to work with them to develop a sustainable plan for their future.

He adds: “Building a trusting relationship is vital, particularly with those people who are very entrenched in rough sleeping.

“Talking to me can be the first step in them making positive changes to their lives and mov- ing away from street homelessness for good.

“Every case i s different, because every person is different, but – as the project in Ashford is demonstrating – with the right approach we can provide life-changing support to some of the most marginalised and excluded people in our society.”

To get in touch with Porchlight, call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 567 76 99.

Rupert Cook, left, Porchlight’s rough sleeper worker for Ashford, with Nigel ‘Noddy’ Clifton, who was previously sleeping rough in the town.; right, Randal Lilly is waiting for a new flat