Spelthorne Homelessness Prevention Forum

Spelthorne Borough Council’s Housing team hosted the Spelthorne Homelessness Prevention Forum on 5 July.

Speakers at the event including Spelthorne staff and partners from Browns Community Services, Homes England, Surrey Talking Therapies, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, A2Dominion and North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service.

Over the past few years, some of our most vulnerable residents have been given a new lease of life because of the work of the Housing team and this was recognised by being a finalist for Team of the Year at this year’s MJ Awards.

Despite the comparative size of Spelthorne Council, the services we provide go above and beyond what is expected from a lower-tier authority.

The team have led in many innovative housing schemes and services – ensuring residents are safe and secure. The Council has been improving services which help residents remain in their own homes, while seeking to support those on our housing register, which stands at just over 3,700. Efforts to relieve the pressures faced by hospitals was made by introducing a step-down service which provides a temporary solution for patients who are discharged from hospital but unable to immediately return home. The Council introduced a Borough wide initiative, working closely with partners to map local services and identify gaps where more provision is needed.

Spelthorne was also the first Council in the country to convert part of its civic headquarters into housing, creating 25 affordable rented apartments in the West Wing of the Council Offices in Staines. The refurbishment was completed to a high standard, with high level security system for additional safety to our residents, which has become invaluable to some as our residents include domestic abuse survivors.

Spelthorne’s specialist support at the White House have helped residents battling a breakdown and help them get their life back on track. Meanwhile, our step down scheme has helped residents facing an extended hospital stay return home sooner, freeing up a bed for those in greater need.