Homelessness Partnership BCP launches Let's Talk Renting and website

Homelessness Partnership BCP’s new website and its Let’s Talk Renting service were unveiled to the public at an information event in the Dolphin.

This brought together organisations in the partnership, including Faithworks, Shelter, Access to Food, Citizen's Advice, BCP Council and BCHA.

The website provides information, guidance and contacts for those who are worried about homelessness, are rough sleeping or those who know of someone who may be struggling.

Alistair Doxat-Purser is chief executive of charity Faithworks and is chair of the partnership forum.

He said: “The key thing on there is providing people with the information that makes it easier for them to go, I am aware of someone who is vulnerable housed or who is on the street, what can I do.

“We want to give them some really simple steps to go, if you see someone on the street, you can phone St Mungo’s, tell them where they are, and the St Mungo’s team will be straight out and working with them.

“Linked to that, many people get into a position where they’re really worried about their rented accommodation, maybe they’re worried about being evicted or they can’t afford their accommodation.

“What we’re putting out there today is Let’s Talk Renting.”

Citizen’s Advice is taking the lead on this service within the partnership.

Jamie White, from the service, said they are there to take enquiries from people on how they can help people stay in their homes.

“In the last 24 months at Citizen’s Advice, we’ve seen almost a triple increase in threatened homelessness issues come to us,” he said.

“It’s really vital to ensure that we can help the local community make sure that we can prevent as much homelessness and maintain tenancies as much as possible, which will save tenants money and a lot of stress, because the stress that comes with it, your home is your personal area and you need to have that security.

“It’s not just for the benefit of tenants, if we can help tenants stay in their properties, that has a benefit for landlords as well.”

Alistair added that one of the benefits of the partnership is that people can find the help they need, no matter who they contact within the group. David McArthur MBE is the partnership manager for the Department for Work and Pensions.

“I’m really proud that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are leading the way on homelessness,” he said.

“I was sharing the best practice with areas such as London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Birmingham. It really is a one stop shop, the new website.

“It’s got fantastic advice; it’s got an access to food map so individuals can find areas where they can get access to either cheaper food or to the food banks.”

He added: “We will overcome the issues of homelessness in Bournemouth, and we will lead the way in the UK, I am sure of it.”

For more information, visit hpbcp.org.