People across Stone and the wider Stafford Borough have until 19 January to contribute their views on ambitious plans to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in the region.
Stafford Borough Council’s draft strategy aims to address these critical issues through to 2030, drawing on extensive research and real-world experiences from rough sleepers and support organisations.
Councillor Jill Hood, Cabinet Member for Community, said:
“We have received national recognition for the successful initiatives we have introduced over the years to tackle the issues of rough sleeping and homelessness.
“Over recent times we have seen increases in people needing our help with several challenges, such as Covid, energy prices, and the cost of living, making life very difficult for those in our community.”
She added: “Just putting a roof over someone’s head will not guarantee they will stay off the streets. They need the appropriate accommodation and levels of support tailored to their individual circumstances.”
Key Strategy Priorities
- Early help and prevention measures
- Creating clear pathways out of rough sleeping
- Increasing housing options for those in need
Local Support Network
The strategy has been developed in partnership with vital local organisations, including:
- The House of Bread charity in Stafford
- Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust’s mental health services
- Various stakeholder groups and individuals with lived experience
How Stone Residents Can Help
Residents, businesses and organisations from Stone can submit their feedback through the council’s website – Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2020-2025 | Stafford Borough Council
Related Support Services
- Local Housing Support: 01785 619000
- Email Enquiries: housingadvice@staffordbc.gov.uk
- Consultation Deadline: Sunday 19 January
Homelessness affects communities across our region. If you’re experiencing housing difficulties or know someone who needs support, contact the housing advice team.
3 comments
Mary Clare
I reported the former unemployment building on Grey friars as a complete eyesore on the landscape ! as u enter and leave Stafford
I agree there is a prime example of a building that could have been repurposed for the housing of homeless or asylum seekers awaiting processing and needing temporary accommodation.
Today again in Stone I was approached by a man I did not know ? rough sleeper – and was asked if I could help him out by giving him a pound !
I politely apologised and explained I had no cash – but it did leave me wondering if I had had a lucky escape there as I was in Adeyes alley at the time and few if anyone else about!
I usually direct them to the Stone community hub for help.
Sadly I am aware that there are rough sleepers putting tents up along the Stone Canal path – and this is disconcerting and a disincentive for lone females to use the canal path.
Rough sleepers meeting in groups on the High Street can be a source of public disturbance – as I have witnessed them under the influence of substance /s giving rise to anti social behaviours.
Councils should NOT allow /permit begging in the streets
– all benefit claimants should be found purposeful work – to give them back their dignity and chances of lifting themselves out of difficult circumstances and channel them towards practical help and support to overcome their addictions and help get them off the streets and into accommodation and ideally work! – all of which would help prevent associated crime /antisocial behaviours over spilling into our communities
Pay benefits in food clothing and accommodation vouchers
and offer incentives to drug and alcohol rehabilitation & purposeful! work in their own communities ! – helping clean up and improve their own environments
Mary Clare
Linda
I totally agree with Lesley, my husband & I have said exactly the same thing to one another as we’ve passed this building when going in & out of Stafford. A complete eyesore going to waste
Lesley Reynolds
Why has the old unemployment office on Greyfriars been allowed to go to rack and ruin, and is now an eyesore???
Full services on all floors, it could easily have been adapted to house the homeless, or migrants.
More joined up thinking required.