The Thanet RISE team, based at Thanet District Council, has been highly commended in the category ‘Homelessness project of the year’ at the prestigious UK Housing Awards 2020.
Hosted virtually on Thursday 3 December, the team were recognised for their work having been shortlisted successfully earlier in the year and following a presentation to a panel of experts in March.
The UK Housing Awards are promoted as an opportunity to celebrate the very best teams and individuals in the UK housing sector, sharing learning at a time when their work to provide decent homes and support communities is more important than ever.
Cllr Helen Whitehead, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing at Thanet District Council, said: “I am delighted that the vital work of the RISE team has been recognised at a national level. I couldn’t be more proud of the collaborative and collegiate way in which all of the different agencies and individuals work together. This has helped to fundamentally transform the way that services are provided for people who are rough sleeping.”
RISE stands for Rough sleeper Intervention, Support and Empowerment. It was set up to address health and wellbeing issues, as well as housing needs, as these can often be barriers for rough sleepers when trying to find and keep accommodation.
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The project is a multi-agency partnership between Thanet District Council, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust and the Forward Trust. It also involves the Thanet Winter Shelter, Salvation Army, Serveco, Citizens Advice Thanet and Paramount Independent Property Services.
Thanet RISE is unique as the team comprises various organisations including a dedicated Substance Misuse and Mental Health worker, Landlord liaison officers, outreach and support workers and advisers all co-located at the Council’s offices. This approach enables those in need to get support and help as quickly as possible, taking away the time spent making contact and referrals to other organisations. It also considers the way rough sleepers access support – which can often be too overwhelming if services are offered from different places.