A NEW campaign aimed at highlighting efforts to reduce homelessness in Teignbridge has been launched.

Teignbridge Council and Exeter City Council are stepping up their homelessness support by demonstrating all the good work that goes on in the area and raising awareness of the issue.

The two councils have teamed up to launch Homelessness Awareness Week which runs until Friday.

The social media campaign is focused around a theme of help.

Both councils are highlighting what help there is for people, how they can go about getting support, how people who aren’t homeless can help and the success stories of those who have turned their lives around. During the week, videos are being posted on Facebook and Twitter showing what work goes on in Teignbridge and Exeter to tackle homelessness. 

Daily posts highlight how the councils work to prevent homelessness occurring, with early interventions and close partnership working. 

The posts will shine a light on the work carried out by a host of agencies including: HITS and THAT, Young Devon, Westward Housing, Homemaker Southwest, Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Housing Aid, Prison Services, Independent Futures.

Cllr Humphrey Clemens, Teignbridge Council’s executive portfolio holder for housing and planning, said: ‘The issues of homelessness are often complex and traumatic and can affect anyone at any time.

‘Shelter is one of life’s essentials and as a council we have a strong track record in preventing homelessness, supporting those in desperate need and reducing its impact where it cannot be prevented. 

‘The conversion of a former doctor’s surgery in Newton Abbot into temporary accommodation for local homeless households is an example of policy in action.

‘Teignbridge has a clear, long-term strategy to meet its housing challenges and obligations in many ways. 

‘We hope this campaign will help draw people’s attention to the issue, start conversations about what support there is or even galvanise people in taking action.’

While there are some differences between Teignbridge and Exeter in the experience of homelessness, the causes and available solutions are the same.

In an innovative approach that cuts across political and administrative boundaries, Teignbridge and Exeter adopted a joint homelessness action plan 2016-2020 that focuses on partnership, prevention and tackling rough sleeping.

Both authorities recognised that by working together, they can establish better and more efficient services and develop clearer, more accessible pathways for clients, stakeholders and residents.

The shared vision for action helps develop a more holistic conversation with partners, service providers and the public who often do not recognise local authority boundaries. 

It also offers targeted coverage at a local level where it’s needed, from any rough sleeping in urban areas to those facing homelessness in a rural and more isolated setting in smaller villages.