Mendip District Council is set to receive a new government funding grant to help provide housing and support for people sleeping rough in the District.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has awarded £15,000 to the local authority through The Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP), which is part of the government's landmark commitment to end rough sleeping.

The cash boost will enable Mendip to provide an additional short-term bed space for people sleeping rough, with a local connection to the District.

The Council is committed to preventing and relieving rough sleeping wherever possible. The last annual snapshot count in November 2019 estimated there to be 13 people sleeping rough in Mendip. The average lifespan of a male sleeping rough is just 45 years old, compared with 76 years old in the general population.

Cllr. Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services and Governance said: "We are pleased to receive this grant which will enable us to provide a much needed and creative living space for people sleeping rough in the area."

Mendip District Council announced the launch of the 'Somerset Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2019-2023' in March 2020. The focus of the Somerset strategy, which was undertaken with all the Districts in the county, is early intervention and prevention, working closely with partners in the community.

Are you or someone you know homeless or at risk of homelessness? Local services and support are available. Call our Housing Options Team on 0300 303 8588 or make a homeless application online www.mendip.gov.uk/housing

Perhaps you're rough sleeping, or concerned that someone is rough sleeping in Mendip? You can make a referral to Streetlink either online at www.streetlink.org.uk or by phoning 0300 500 0914.

The more details and information provided, the better. Streetlink forward referrals for people in Mendip to Elim Connect Outreach Team, commissioned by Mendip District Council to support people sleeping rough in the area.