MAYOR of Basingstoke and Deane saw first hand the work an outreach programme is going to support the borough’s most vulnerable.

Julian House homeless outreach centre held an open day on Thursday, 7 June to showcase items produced by the homeless art group along with a demonstration of a new bike repair taster session which will be taking place every month.

Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Sean Keating saw how such activities play a key role in empowering people who are street homeless in helping to boost their self-esteem.

The charity has been running the Assertive Outreach service in Basingstoke and Deane for the past year.

Staff team’s key role is to support rough sleepers off the streets and link them in with homeless agencies across the area.

This service is part of the social inclusion partnership (SIP) which is funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council which identifies not only who is on the streets but, more importantly, tailors individual support plans which will link them back into mainstream society.

Joined up working with other agencies is key – the strategy, which so far has seen rough sleeper’s numbers fall by 42 per cent from 26 in 2016 to 15 last November, when the last official count was held.

Chief executive at Julian House, Peter Denning, said: “The value of an effective outreach service cannot be understated. Living on the streets is a very dangerous existence.

“Many of those who are forced to do so are very vulnerable. Some have addiction issues. Typically, more than 60 per cent will have mental health problems and they are at increased risk of violence. That’s on top of the risk from hypothermia.”

He added: “Every client will be different. Some will be cautious about engaging with outreach staff. But, we know from experience that if you get alongside them and understand their individual issues, the prospects for getting them off the streets and reconnected with mainstream society are significantly improved.”

For more information on Julian House and the work it does visit julianhouse.org.uk.