Homeless shelter 'will help rebuild independence'

The facility "will provide a safe, stable place for people who have been sleeping rough or are at imminent risk of homelessness"

A 27-bed homeless and rough sleeping shelter is set to open to help people "rebuild their independence".

The project, at St John's House, Northampton, will offer support including for drug and substance misuse, mental health issues, and people who have experienced trauma, West Northamptonshire Council said.

The temporary accommodation, which is set to be open for a year, will offer a "short-term base while they prepare for longer-term housing".

Charlie Hastie, the Reform UK council's cabinet member for housing, said it would play an "important role in breaking the cycle of rough sleeping in our communities".

People who stay in the temporary accommodation will use a shared kitchen

The authority said the facility would open at the end of the month and its residents would have private rooms with shared kitchens, bathrooms and communal areas. They will be supported by 24-hour on-site staff.

St John's House will be separate from the University of Northampton's St John's Halls of Residence.

Hastie said: "St John's will play an important role in breaking the cycle of rough sleeping in our communities.

"This service goes beyond simply providing a bed – it delivers tailored, person-centred support to help residents regain stability and progress towards independent living."

St John's House aims to provide safe accommodation with personalised support, the council said

There will also be help with managing finances, accessing healthcare, and connecting with wider community support, he added.

Help navigating the housing and welfare system will also be on hand, as will guidance on training, employment, financial support and living skills.