Homeless Link launching a campaign to raise the profile of homelessness in the forthcoming local elections in England
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Expanded Changing Futures programme will help more adults facing multiple issues such as homelessness and substance misuse
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JCVI advises prioritising homeless people and rough sleepers for COVID-19 vaccine plus update re Government's acceptance of the recommendation
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Ending women's homelessness: the next chapter
" />Posted 25.03.21
Homeless Link: Further reading
On May 6 more than 4,500 elections will take place for mayors, police & crime commissioners and local councillors. Homeless Link say that every single person who is elected will have some responsibility for housing and homelessness.
It is working through its 850plus member organisations across the country to call on every candidate to sign the Everyone In For Good Pledge.
The pledge commits elected candidates to prioritising homelessness and working to end homelessness for good. Local members will be meeting with candidates and organising hustings in some areas.
Chief Executive of Homeless Link, Rick Henderson said: "These are going to be very important elections as we emerge from the pandemic. Housing and homelessness in all its forms will be critical issues that must be debated.
"Homeless Link wants to ensure that the great work that was done to get all rough sleepers off the streets in the pandemic is built upon and we make real progress towards ending homelessness for good."
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Posted 19.03.21
GOV.UK: Further reading
More most vulnerable people will be supported by an £18 million new investment from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The Changing Futures programme invites local organisations to form partnerships to better support those who experience multiple disadvantages - including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse and contact with the criminal justice system.
Those targeted by the programme are often among the most vulnerable in society, facing entrenched disadvantage and trauma. Getting coordinated support from local services can be difficult - this can lead to greater risk of homelessness, ill health and increased contact with the criminal justice system.
This additional funding takes the total scheme to £64 million - extending the support available to 3 years and enable a more effective, joined-up service from local organisations.
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Posted 11.03.21
GOV.UK: Further reading
Many people who are homeless or sleeping rough are likely to have underlying health conditions which would place them in priority group 6.
These are likely to be under-diagnosed or not properly reflected in GP records.
Due to current restrictions, many thousands of people who sleep rough have been housed in emergency accommodation. This provides a unique opportunity to offer vaccination to those often unable to access basic healthcare.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises that local teams consider a universal offer to adults experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping alongside those in priority group 6.
They should also be offered the vaccine without the need for an NHS number or GP registration.
Local decisions should be taken on whether a shorter schedule may be offered if they are unlikely to return for the second dose at 12 weeks.
Operationally, it is anticipated that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be easier to deploy to this group of people. The optimal timing for the second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 8 to 12 weeks after the first dose.
Update
Homeless people and rough sleepers will be prioritised for COVID vaccines, the government has announced.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the move after accepting a recommendation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
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Posted 08.03.21
Homeless Link: Further reading
On International Women's Day, Homeless Link announced information about a new project focused on Ending Wome's Homelessness. This blog by its Project Manager, Michaela Campbell gives further details.
Homeless Link has set itself the goal of ensuring women experiencing homelessness can access appropriate services and gender-informed support.
As the 'Ending Women's Homelessness Grants Programme' - funded by the DCMS Tampon Tax - approaches the finish line, this project will take on the baton to create enduring change across the sector.
Over the next two years, it will focus on building workforce knowledge and establishing good practice on gender-informed support, including the development of a toolkit.
Showcasing the successes of cross-sector working and learning from the failures to improve outcomes for women experiencing homelessness, the hope is that the project will enable long-term culture change.
The ultimately hope is to increase the number of homelessness services adopting gender-informed approaches, increase the confidence of frontline staff to support women experiencing/at risk of violence and abuse - and increase collaboration between the homelessness and women's sectors.
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Updated 27.03.21
The Guardian: Home Office revives plan to deport non-UK rough sleepers
Huffpost UK: Vaccinating The Homeless Is A 'Moral Duty' - Here's Why
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