Political View: Homelessness is a key priority for Peterborough

So, three months into my new role as Cabinet Member for Public Health, Poverty and Homelessness, there is a lot to reflect on, writes Lib Dem cllr Ann Shaheed.

There are so many determinants of health apart from a health condition, things such as the house you live in(or not), your environment, and financial stability, to name but a few.

How can you be expected to thrive when you’re worried about a roof over your head, your job is unstable, you have bills to pay, and maybe you have caring responsibilities too?

When you do seek help, maybe you feel you’re pushed from pillar to post? 

That’s why I strongly believe in putting systems in place to get people the right help at the right time.

This means more joined-up working between the Council, health bodies and outside partners/organisations. No mean feat, however, one that both the Housing Needs team and Public Health Team here at the Council are fully invested in.

I’m delighted that the Government has backed up its commitment to end rough sleeping by allocating extra funding.

We are already looking at ways to put this funding to the best possible use, which, alongside more urgent solutions, also focuses on prevention and early intervention.

Our new Rough Sleeper and Homeless Strategy is currently in production, and for homelessness to be a one-off experience, we know that for many people this requires more than just a housing solution. Our aim is to create holistic interventions at the time they’re needed in order to avoid future homelessness and to help people thrive.

Recently I was out with the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team and witnessed the fantastic job they do of engaging with rough sleepers in order to offer support and ultimately to try and find suitable accommodation where possible. This is an ongoing challenge as many people sleeping rough have Complex needs; however, we are up for that challenge.

In September we will be supporting ‘Safer off the Streets’ and community organisations to conduct the Women’s Rough Sleeper Census. 

Women are the hidden homeless nationally, and the aim of the census is to gain a realistic picture of how many women are affected in our city.

If you are part of an organisation that supports vulnerable women and have not signed up, then please consider contacting www.saferoffthestreets.org for further information.

In July I attended the opening event of the new Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre on Thorpe Road and am pleased to confirm that the new premises will officially open on the 1st September.

This new space reflects the ambitions of Peterborough’s new treatment and recovery system delivered by CGL Aspire.

This building provides a more welcoming environment with increased space for a larger multidisciplinary workforce to work together.

Again, helping people to get the right help at the right time.

So, looking ahead, and as long as I’m in this role, I’ll be looking at ways that help people thrive and not just survive.