A NEW scheme to tackle rough sleeping on the Isle of Wight will aim to get homeless people into suitable housing as quickly as possible.

The Housing First project was announced at an Isle of Wight Council cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The model is used widely in the USA and uses property as a starting point, rather than an end goal, so homeless people with complex needs can begin to rebuild their lives.

Cllr Clare Mosdell, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "The basic underlying principle of Housing First is that people are better able to move forward with their lives if they are first housed.

"This is as true for people experiencing homelessness and those with mental health and addictions as it is for anyone.

"Housing is provided first and then support is provided, including physical and mental health support, education, employment, substance abuse and community connections."

She said similar schemes had been successful elsewhere in the UK.

Cllr Mosdell praised Jamie Brenchley, the council's housing needs and homelessness service manager, for his work on the project.

Mr Brenchley said: "The scheme is guided by the belief that people need basic necessities like food and a safe place to live in order to address other issues in their lives.

"This is an exciting local development and provides the Isle of Wight with a vital tool that is evidenced nationally to support homeless individuals with complex needs rebuild their lives."

Two Saints, a leading national Housing First expert, has been commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council to deliver a pilot scheme on the Island.

They will be working in partnership with other registered housing associations and stakeholders.

The project will initially work with a small number of individuals, with a plan to deliver all homelessness services based on an accommodation first principle going forward.

All referrals to the service will go through the council’s housing team.

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