Action on Homelessness in Neath
A new Prevention and Wellbeing Service has been launched to address housing-related issues across Neath Port Talbot.
The new service aims to simplify access to support and provide early intervention and prevention on homelessness by bringing together a range of services previously delivered by separate providers.
Following a tender process earlier this year the Council commissioned homelessness charity The Wallich to deliver all-inclusive multi-specialist support to assist vulnerable people aged 16 years or over regardless of their age or housing situation.
As part of this new service, The Wallich will also offer a Conflict Resolution Specialist to assist those who have anti-social behaviour, family or landlord disputes which require mediation intervention.
Previously, nine different organisations delivered eleven types of service covering a wide range of issues such as managing and complying with the terms of a tenancy; assistance with budgeting and financial issues; maintaining the safety and security of the home and benefit issues.
The new service will cover the whole county borough from four centres in Neath, Port Talbot, Pontardawe and Glynneath, as well as offering a drop in service in existing community hubs such as libraries to provide accessible locations across the valleys.
Outside of office hours, the service will be available on a 24/7 basis and responsive to clients support needs.
The £695k initiative will be funded via the Welsh Government’s Supporting People programme for a minimum period of 3 years.
Cllr Peter Richards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health said: “Reconfiguring our provision into a single, holistic service will enable us to better meet the needs of vulnerable people whatever their housing situation, from rough sleepers to owner occupiers, wherever they may be”.
“As with many social issues, to address homelessness there is a clear need to provide early intervention and prevention via effective and innovative services. The Prevention and Wellbeing Service (PAWS) project will benefit from The Wallich’s extensive experience in this field and will complement Council initiatives such as the Gateway and Local Area Coordination”.
For more information on the PAWS project please contact The Wallich on (01639) 642202 or email: nptpaws@thewallich.net
Source: FTI 0 Neath
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