Revamped Homelessness Prevention Service to be delivered by The Wallich

Through the launch of the revamped homelessness prevention service, The Wallich will help more people at risk of homelessness in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council through the revamped Homeless Prevention Service.

The service aims to prevent and reduce homelessness across Pembrokeshire by providing early, person-centred support to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.

Through practical advice, housing support and tailored guidance, the service will help people find, secure and maintain suitable accommodation, reducing the risk of crisis and repeat homelessness.

Working with people at every stage of their housing journey, the service will focus on building trusted relationships, promoting long-term housing stability and ensuring individuals receive the support they need to live independently and thrive within their communities.

Michael Gray, PCC Director of Social Services and Housing, said: "Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to being innovative in dealing with the housing challenges we face by supporting the people of Pembrokeshire to have access to a suitable home which is of a high standard, affordable and improves their quality of life.

“I'm delighted therefore to be partnering with The Wallich to prevent and reduce homelessness through a model underpinned by early, relational, and person-centred working. Homelessness prevention is complex work, and I look forward to learning alongside the Wallich on what works, for whom and why."

Liz Evans, Area Manager for The Wallich, said: "We are excited to launch The Wallich’s Pembrokeshire Homeless Prevention Service, creating new opportunities to support people earlier and prevent homelessness before it reaches crisis point.

"Through an innovative commissioning approach, and dedicated Support Workers who stay alongside people throughout their journey, we can provide consistent, person-centred support that helps individuals build confidence, resilience and long-term housing stability."

Examples of homelessness prevention support in Pembrokeshire delivered by The Wallich will include:

• Help with benefits
• Budgeting
• Rent arrears and debt
• Housing applications
• Exploring housing options
• Preparing for appointments
• Help speaking to landlords and partner agencies
• Moving house
• Maintaining a tenancy
• Accessing wellbeing, education, volunteering and personal development opportunities

The new service joins three others delivered by The Wallich in Pembrokeshire, including the Street Homelessness Support Service, Conflict Resolutions Service and its Making Space - Holistic Hoarding Service.

Referrals to Housing Support Grant (HSG) funded services can be made through the Gateway.

The Gateway provides a single point of access to HSG funded services, ensuring individuals are referred to the most appropriate support. Community-based support is available for people with housing-related, mental health, learning disability, substance misuse, offending, domestic abuse, age-related, and tenancy sustainment needs, as well as those who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation.

HSG funding also supports a range of accommodation services, including domestic abuse refuges, supported housing for people with mental health or substance misuse needs, sheltered and Extra Care housing for older people, and rough sleepers.

To seek access to a Housing Related support, a Gateway referral form is available by visiting www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/housing-support/housing-support-grant.  Alternatively you can contact the team by emailing gateway@pembrokeshire.gov.uk, or calling 01437 764551.