This week Cllr Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth Labour Leader paid a visit to the Portsmouth Foyer on Greetham Street, to learn more about the work of staff and volunteers in providing a range of services and support networks to help young people who are homeless in Portsmouth turn their lives around.
Local charities offering a bed for the night is just the first step on the long road to helping somebody embark on a new life away from homelessness. Yet local groups provide much more than offering safe, secure accommodation.
Services include providing help and support every step of the way to ensure young people move towards finding a home of their own. Charities also work to prevent homelessness by supporting people who already live in their own home, to maintain their independence. This support can take many forms and often includes advice on how to contact specialist agencies.
Other services include:
- advice on resources to housing
- help with filling in forms and claiming benefits
- help and advice with managing money and paying bills
- overcoming problems
- access to specialist services including medical advice or addictions counselling
- connecting with local self help groups.
On Greetham Street in the heart of Portsmouth, Two Saints provide a 48 roomed hostel provides accommodation for young people between 16 and 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Referrals are made to the service via Portsmouth City Council’s Housing Options team, and the service funded by the city council.
Cllr Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth Labour Leader said:
“These hugely important services provided by local charities and groups in our city help people take control over their lives and helps reduce demand on public services later on down the line. Two Saints’ Portsmouth Foyer is a great example of this.
As well as providing a bed and a range of support networks, they encourage young people to develop their skills and self confidence to help set them back on the path back to a more settled life. These services make a big difference in Portsmouth.
It was great to visit the team this week and see the valuable work staff and volunteers do”.
