New support service for homeless launched in Lancaster

The service, which was previously provided by Jigsaw Support, part of the Jigsaw Group, supports people who are experiencing homelessness alongside other difficulties, to gain the life skills they need to progress towards independence.

Prolonged periods of homelessness can have a significant impact on someone’s mental and physical wellbeing, developing additional health problems.

By providing person-centred support in safe accommodation, Calico’s Gateway service will support people to understand and overcome the causes of their homelessness.

Calico’s Gateway has a proven track record of providing homelessness services across Lancashire and Greater Manchester and currently delivers a range of supported housing, rough

sleeper outreach, accommodation finding services and domestic abuse refuge and community support in Lancaster and Morecambe.

In Lancaster, the service will also benefit from the involvement of Acorn Recovery Projects, Calico’s specialist service for supporting people with lifelong recovery from alcohol or substance misuse.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire County Council’s director of Public Health, said: “We know that the right support is needed for those individuals with complex needs who are experiencing homelessness, and this individualised support in safe accommodation will help people to overcome the causes of their homelessness.

“This will mean a range of supported housing, outreach for rough sleepers, services helping people to find accommodation and other support will be available in Lancaster, as well as help for those recovering from substance or alcohol misuse.”

Tom Woodcock, director of treatment and recovery at The Calico Group, said: “As the new provider of the complex needs supported housing service in Lancaster, we are committed to working with Lancashire County Council and other partners to build and develop the existing homelessness provision in the area.

"We will work hard with Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council and partner agencies to ensure that people who are in need of help in Lancaster have the access to the support they need.”

For more information, please visit https://calicogateway.org.uk/