Council says 50 rough sleepers helped off streets

The council said its "patient" approach to homelessness had been rewarded with the success

Fifty rough sleepers across the Bradford district have been helped off the streets and into accommodation this year, according to council figures.

Bradford Council said that 225 vulnerable people had been offered shelter over the last 12 months.

The support offered to people ranged from emergency hostel beds to places in long-term accommodation.

A senior councillor said the authority's approach to homelessness was "rooted in understanding, patience and the ethos that we won’t give up on anyone".

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning, said: "People who sleep rough are some of the most vulnerable people in society. Their lives are often difficult, and they have often experienced trauma so can be difficult to reach.

"Giving people the support to access services which can help them is vital. We’re proud of the council’s work, which makes such a positive difference to these people’s lives."

The first point of contact for homeless people in Bradford is the Homeless Outreach Partnership (HOP), which is a 12-strong team which operates on the streets every day of the year.

The team includes drug and alcohol workers, complex needs workers, and specialists in housing options who are able to offer wraparound care to those who need it.

HOP co-ordinator Clare Flannigan said: "When we first meet people they are literally on the streets, they’re out of options and it’s heart-breaking.

"We are working every day with people experiencing very complex situations and multiple, complex needs, and who often have backgrounds of trauma."

The council's policy of supporting rough sleepers into permanent accommodation influenced a decision to block off access to a number of railway arches near Forster Square Station that were being used for tent encampments.

A homeless charity said those using the tents had been "abandoned" by the closure, but the council said support from the outreach team was still available.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.