SOMERSET West and Taunton Council has been awarded Government funding to continue providing rough sleepers with a roof over their heads during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since lockdown, the YMVA Dulverton Group has made the Beach Hotel, in Minehead, a shelter for homeless people in West Somerset. It also manages self-contained accommodation at Canonsgrove, a site in Trull owned by Bridgwater and Taunton College.

Now the council (SWAT) has secured £167,000 from the MHCLG ‘Next Steps Accommodation Programme’ to cover the costs of keeping the multi-agency initiative going in 2020/21.

Jonica Walkinshaw, of YMCA Dulverton Group, said the funding will enable the vital work at Canonsgrove to be able to continue into the next year. 

She added: “Through working very closely with partners and with the direct delivery of many supportive services, this has made fundamental positive change to the individuals we work alongside.

“As we head into the winter months, our focus is still firmly on keeping people safe and enabling individuals to move on into safe and sustainable independent accommodation. 

“We believe that everyone should have an opportunity to feel that they belong, be able to contribute and in turn they will thrive, Canonsgrove allows the foundation for this to begin.”

Council leader Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, said: “A whole range of organisations have been working with us giving their time and support ... including Raft, the Salvation Army, Open Door, Turning Point, Arc and many statutory bodies. 

“This project is unique nationally and we have been encouraged by its success. Not only have we been able to provide three meals a day and support services tailored to the needs of our vulnerable tenants but we have been able to help many gain new independence in their own accommodation.”