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Â鶹ÊÓƵ in partnership with South Tyneside Homes have announced their intention to introduce a dedicated freephone number for homelessness.

The move comes after a national campaign headed by musician Sam Fender, calling for all local authorities to provide free helplines.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ said: "Firstly I want to thank Sam Fender for raising this issue. We have a number of routes through which individuals can present themselves as homeless to which we will add a dedicated freephone line. I am pleased to say that the new line will be implemented as soon as possible. Until then we would encourage anyone facing homelessness to contact us on the existing local rate line where we can call back straight away, via our website, live chat or in person at South Shields Town Hall.

"The campaign has given us food for thought and I can confirm that we will also be bringing in freephone numbers for our Covid-19 Support Hub and hardship Fund helplines. Anyone who is in need should continue to use the existing numbers and other available channels such as the Council's website"

The Council and its partners are committed to supporting those who find themselves homeless or at risk of becoming homeless - with a focus on prevention.

The homelessness service provides advice and assistance to those who are homeless, sleeping rough or are unable to remain in their current home due to the crisis.

Support is available for rehousing, with priority given to people who are sleeping rough, fleeing domestic abuse, or who can't stay in their current accommodation.

Services have worked especially hard this year given the increased pressure from Covid 19 and under the 'Everyone In' instruction from central government managed to accommodate all those sleeping rough and continue to provide outreach services and respond to any reports of rough sleeping, which can be reported on 

The Council are also committed to the long-term sustainable housing for those who have experienced homelessness. South Tyneside Homes and the outreach services investigate any reports and engage with the individual to get them off the streets, develop a personalised housing plan and work with them to find long-term solutions.

Notes to Editors:

Until the Freephone number is in place the Housing Options Service can be contacted on:

• 0300 123 6633 (Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm)
• 0191 456 2093 (out of office hours) or
• Via Freephone at: South Shields Town Hall
• Via email Housing.Options@southtynesidehomes.org.uk