Bolton receiving second highest grant to house ex-prisoners

BOLTON is set to receive a large sum of cash to address homelessness among ex-prisoners.

The Community Accommodation Service set up by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) with almost £3 million of government funding seeks to help around 500 people set to leave custody in the city region into good quality temporary accommodation.

A report announcing the acceptance of this government funding by the GMCA said that Bolton is set to receive a grant of £421,135 to help a total of 72 ex-prisoners into the accommodation.

This is the second highest amount of funding and individuals in the region behind the borough of Manchester.

The reports states that this scheme should offer “Quality accommodation and support provision with considered use of trusted providers known to regional and local commissioners.

“Use of known accommodation and support providers, builds on A Bed Every Night and other local suppliers. Accommodation located with understanding of local area public service pressures and housing market.”

The service will deliver an anticipated 162 units of accommodation across the 10 boroughs, suitable for a stay of up to 12 weeks, assisting prison-leavers with their transition back into the community and reducing the risk of homelessness.

The Greater Manchester Community Accommodation Service builds on Housing First programme and A Bed Every Night, which provides emergency accommodation for anyone sleeping rough who wants and needs it.

Chris Edwards, regional probation director for Greater Manchester, said: “Housing is one of the key requirements offenders need to start a new life free from crime. Stable accommodation also provides a firm foundation for people to access other support, such as in addressing drug misuse issues and furthering employment opportunities.

“We have worked hard to ensure this scheme builds on, and is integrated with, the excellent work involving a range of agencies already taking place across Greater Manchester to reduce homelessness.”

A total of 486 people are set to be helped into accommodation across the region.

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