As Bolton’s Sleeper Pod test draws to an end, its former homeless residents have praised the life-changing opportunities it provided them.
This is the first trial of the scheme in Bolton, running from November to March 31, with the nine self-contained ‘Sleeper Pods’ offering emergency accommodation for some of Bolton’s most vulnerable homeless people.
The scheme supports Bolton Council’s commitment and statutory obligation under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to protect vulnerable people during the coldest months.
It has delivered its prime objective of helping safeguard the lives and wellbeing of homeless people in Bolton over the winter, many of whom have been sleeping rough on the streets for years.
While the pods are compact and functional, they have proved to provide a safe, secure and warm place for the rough sleepers during the winter.
The pods show residents there are safe alternatives to rough sleeping, and living independently in a secure, private, self-contained place is an attainable goal.
Also, the scheme has made it far easier for support agencies to help the residents and produce personalised ‘move-on plans’ which significantly reduces the risks of them returning to live on the streets.
Pod residents have largely appreciated the opportunities the scheme has provided, saying:
- “It’s the first time I’ve been properly warm in years”
- “Luxury in a box”
- “A godsend”
- “Life-changing”
From the scheme it was clear that much more can be achieved with a multi-agency wrap-around approach.
A final assessment of the scheme will take place by summer, and all the findings will inform any plans and decisions going forward.
The council rough sleeping team has worked hard to ensure no one has to return to living on the streets, and pod residents have either progressed into more permanent accommodation or are in the process of transferring to more specialist settings that can better support their specific needs, any others not allocated suitable accommodation are being supported as a top priority.
This has been achieved by linking up with other specialist support organisations including the homeless nursing team, social workers, mental health, substance use and a raft of other agencies, and together they are continuing to provide support to the residents with the help they need after leaving the pods.
Bolton Council has a long-standing commitment that no one should have to sleep rough on our streets and any decision on whether to reintroduce a Sleeper Pod scheme next Winter will only be made after full review and discussions with partners.
Ultimately Bolton’s overarching aim is to tackle the causes of homelessness and stop it arising in the first place, and the pods are just one of a number of initiatives in place to support this including those tackling homelessness, poverty and debts, and the high cost of housing across the region.
Cllr Sean Fielding, Executive Member for Adults and Community Housing at Bolton Council said:
"I’m delighted that the Sleeper Pods have proved a safe haven for some of our most vulnerable people this winter, giving them renewed hope and a ‘stepping stone’ to rebuild their lives.
“There are far too many people that are homeless, and it can affect people from all backgrounds, especially those at risk of a sudden loss of income, rising inflation, relationship breakdowns, and domestic abuse.
“However, Bolton is always on hand to provide targeted help in accessing shelter and accommodation when needed, helping people get back on track as quickly as possible.
“We are also working with landlords and owners of empty properties to offer them practical support, security and reassurance to provide more affordable housing for Bolton people in need.”
Anyone at risk of homelessness can contact Housing Options at Bolton Council on 01204 335900 for advice and assistance.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a rough sleeper, email housingoutreachteam@bolton.gov.uk or call 01204 335900 (9am-5pm) or visit StreetLink.org.uk
For help coping with the rising cost of energy bills, food, and transport, support is available here https://www.bolton.gov.uk/costofliving