Homeless Link's work in the East of England region

Homeless Link has over 40 member organisations in the East of England who work across the six counties of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

The regional manager is Chris Cornell who works to build the capacity of the homeless sector by sharing best practice and providing practical advice and support to local providers.

Chris can be contacted on 0779 970 6563 or via e mail at chris.cornell@homelesslink.org.uk

What's New?

• Homeless Link launches new online members survey

Throughout June, Homeless Link will be running an online survey of its members in the East of England. This poll, the first of its kind in the regions, aims to provide the an accurate picture of the scale and diversity of our members work in the region and will allow us to ensure you receive the most appropriate best practice examples for your work.

The survey is open to the Chief Executive/Senior Officer of member agencies only and can be completed by clicking here on the link below. The closing date for entries is the 5th July 2008.

Click Here to take survey

• Forward thinking RSL's tackle homelessness together

The newly formed Norfold RSL Alliance has published a strategy committing its members to work together in preventing homelessness. The document is the first document of its kind in England and facilitated by Space East (a Homeless Link member).

For an overview of the document, click here.

• Consortia of small providers win floating support contract for Suffolk

A consortia of RSLs and small voluntary sector providers has won the housing related floating support contract for 6 of the 7 districts in Suffolk, despite fierce competition. The SNAP consortia, formed in response to the decision by Supporting People to recontract under one larger contract, involves Ipswich Housing Advice Group (a Homeless Link member).

For more details, click here.

• Accurate picture of homeless services in the region sketched for the first time

Homeless Link has just published SNAP (Survey of Needs and Provision) in order to provide the first clear picture of the extent and nature of services accessed by single homeless people and couples without dependent children in England.

For information on how our region compares to others, download SNAP.

Places of Change in the East of England

CLG announces record £6.8 million investment in homeless hostels/day centres across the East of England

The Department for Communities & Local Government(CLG) has announced the names of six local authority/voluntary sector partnerships to receive funding under its Places for Change programme. Successful projects will receive funding for the capital development of their services in ways which improve the quality of life and opportunities available to staff and service users. Click here for details on the successful projects near you.

Events and Training

Youth Homelessness Seminars

In 2007 Hertsmere Borough Council became the regions beacon council for youth homelessness and with it received funding from DCLG to promote best practice. They are running two best practice seminars on topics local authorities indicated they wanted to see more information circulated on.

26th June (12.30-3:00), Hertsmere Civic Centre

Housing & Support Services for young people who are ex-offenders

1st July (12.30-3:00) Cambridge Belfry Hotel, Cambourne

Housing & Support Services for young people leaving local authority care

To book a place or enquire about the programme contact Helen George, Housing Strategy & Intervention Manager on 020 8207 2277 or via email at helen.george@hertsmere.gov.uk

Herts Young Homeless Group Launch new Homeless Prevention Support Service

Frontline workers and managers who work with Young People in Hertfordshire are invited to join us at the launches of the new integrated support service for homeless young people. The 5 launches take place between the 28th May and 5th June. Booking forms should be requested from launch@hyhg.org

Positive Planning through Regional Partnerships

DCLG & The Housing Corporation are launching regional seminars to explore how the needs of vulnerable people can be evidenced and linked into regional housing strategies. The seminar in the East of England takes place on 3rd June in Cambridge. Form more details email regionalhousingstrategies@tmkg.co.uk

Social Enterprise East England(SEEE) Annual Conference

An opportunity to attend practical workshops on how social enterprises can add value to your organisation; meet, talk and network with those in the know. The event takes place on the 3rd July in Bedford. Visit the SEEE website for more information.

Regional Focus

Homeless Link represents over 450 members of which just over 40 are based in the East of England. Below you will find a host of summarised information on strategies and investments which may affect our members and their work.

Regional Housing Strategy (RHS)

The regional housing strategy sets out type of housing local authorities and RSL’s will prioritise in different parts of the region until 2011. Download a short summary of the RHS for details on how it will affect you.

Sub regional what?

With the potential for local government review laying question to the role of county councils, sub regional housing partnerships are becoming more influential in establishing the housing/homeless priorities of areas with similar populations or concerns.

For more information on sub regional housing partnerships click here.