Wirral Council support for residents facing homelessness
Wirral Council continues to support local people at risk of or experiencing homelessness with a range of specialist services.
The measures include provision of specialist accommodation and support for some of the most vulnerable people in Wirral, including women fleeing domestic abuse, adults with complex needs and emergency accommodation for homeless 18–24-year-olds.
It follows the agreement of a series of contracts last month covering a range of specialist supported housing services delivered by experienced local providers, all of whom play a critical role in helping people move away from homelessness and build stable, independent lives.
Among the latest measures agreed is the award of the contract for a dedicated women’s refuge, delivered by Wirral Women and Children’s Aid, a long-established, specialist domestic abuse charity providing dedicated refuge accommodation.
The refuge provides a safe, confidential and secure environment where women and their children can escape violence, regain stability and receive specialist support, which is vital in preventing further harm and reducing the risk of repeat victimisation.
In addition, the council has approved a range of housing-related support services designed to prevent homelessness and help residents sustain independent living. These include floating support provision for homeless prevention. This preventative approach promotes independence through flexible help to residents at risk of homelessness, enabling them to sustain accommodation, develop essential life skills, manage finances, and access employment, education, and welfare support.
A contract now agreed with Forum Housing Association will provide an emergency accommodation scheme for young people will ensure the provision of safe, stable accommodation combined with targeted support for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
Other recent agreements include with Riverside Group Limited which will continue to supply Direct Access Supported Housing service for homeless people aged from 25 years ensure the continuation of supported accommodation services, focused on reducing levels of repeat homelessness and tenancy failure. These services also play a vital role in reducing repeat homelessness and easing pressure on temporary accommodation.
Together, the contracts provide stability for residents and service providers while the council continues to develop longer-term commissioning arrangements in line with its Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025–2030. This strategy focuses on early intervention, prevention, and helping people move into secure, long-term housing.
Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, Cllr Mark Skillicorn, said:
These decisions are about making sure some of the most vulnerable people in our communities continue to receive the support they need at the right time. By securing these services, we are strengthening our response to homelessness, helping people stay safe, rebuild their lives and move towards independence.
