Local solutions: National impact

Homeless Link Annual Conference, 8-10 July 2008, University of Warwick

The government’s agenda for the delivery of services to homeless people is becoming increasingly local. Many homeless agencies are already aware of the gains to be made from linking up with their local community, not only in terms of the additional services they can provide, but also as a means for homeless people to lead the way in giving something back and moving towards independence.

But local communities can also oppose new developments, fostering a sense that homeless people do not belong. The challenge is to overcome these obstacles and to find ways to ensure both service users and providers are involved in local decision-making. Ultimately this will help to develop stronger communities, improve services and form stronger working partnerships.

This flagship event in the Homeless Link conference calendar was essential for anyone interested in ending homelessness through social cohesion and community engagement. The conference focused on the community agenda and on ensuring that everyone in society, even those who are the most vulnerable and with the most complex needs, has an opportunity to play a significant role in the improvement of local communities.

Delegates heard about current government thinking on empowering citizens, building strong communities and the importance of this for homeless people and the homelessness sector. Good practice workshops included examples of how to effectively link up and access local services and how homeless people can play an active part in the development of their communities.

**Conference Highlights**

Conference Programme

Programme details

Speakers

• Why communities matter for ending homelessness: Jenny Edwards, Homeless Link
• A central government perspective on the homelessness sector and their local community: Iain Wright MP, Housing Minister
• View from the communities sector: Carolyn Lambert, Development Trusts Association
• Conservatives' vision for the future of homelessness services & the communities they work in: Grant Shapps MP, Shadow Housing Minister
• Strengthening the fabric of your community: JoAnne Page, The Fortune Society, New York

Workshops

Please refer to the Programme details for details of the workshops being held at the conference.

To download copies of the presentations given in the workshops, please click on the relevant links below:

• New Rough Sleeping strategy - what this means for you
• Good practice in accessing local drug support services
• How to engage with the private sector
• Using art to link in with your community
• Where next for Supporting People in the new Local Government landscape? - CLG perspective
• Where next for Supporting People in the new Local Government landscape? - Borough Council perspective
• Living as a community - an alternative approach to rebuilding lives

Featuring:

• debate and interaction with senior government officials
• streamed programme of workshops tailored to meet your requirements
• social and cultural programme to complement the main programme.