Better homeless winter shelter service for Fareham and Gosport hailed a success

Gosport and Fareham Borough Councils say that the introduction of an expanded winter shelter service for rough sleepers in the area has been a success.

The scheme has seen the councils team up with Two Saints, a charity that runs a hostel in Fareham. Hostel places have been made continuously available from mid-December until mid-April.

The councils have each paid for five more places to be created at the hostel, bringing the total in the building to 28.

Residents get food, as well as access to washing and laundry facilities.

The places are available for the whole four months, giving rough sleepers the chance to get off the streets permanently.

Cllr Graham Burgess from Gosport Borough Council said: ‘I’m delighted this expanded service is working well.

‘People sleeping rough are getting a better service and we have a greater opportunity to work with them and meet their long-term needs.

‘It’s a great partnership between the two councils and Two Saints.’

Cllr Trevor Cartwright from Fareham Borough Council said: ‘It’s great to see Fareham and Gosport working together to provide this service for people sleeping rough in the area.

‘It’s more than just a shelter though, it’s about providing those in need with the right support and services, to help change their lives for the better.’

Two Saints regional director James McDermott said: ‘The additional bed spaces have been fully utilised, enabling us to support more rough sleepers in the local authority area.

‘We work in partnership with Fareham and Gosport Borough Councils and will review the impact of the service in the spring.’