A coalition of councils and voluntary organisations are working together on a new initiative to support the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.

The ‘Live, Work, Thrive Project’ will be headed by Hastings Borough Council (HBC), Rother District Council (RDC), Education Futures Trust, Fellowship of St Nicholas and Sussex Community Development Association.

The initiative’s goal is to provide intensive support to participants, helping them with training or education, finding employment, finding a long term home, as well as to improve their physical and mental health. Those involved say it ‘works holistically’ with people to help them in setting and achieving goals to progress out of homelessness into a better life.

Live, Work, Thrive is partly funded by Connecting Hastings and Rother Together, a community led local development programme with access to the European Social Funds (ESF) to support projects that, “bring a fresh approach to tackling deep-rooted problems.”

Councillor Andy Batsford, HBC Cabinet member for Housing, said: “The Live, Work, Thrive Project has been running since October last year and despite the pandemic, is already achieving great outcomes, supporting people to access volunteering opportunities, start training courses and find employment locally.

“The team has recently been trained to deliver tenancy training to clients, giving them the knowledge and skills to maintain a happy tenancy in the private rented sector.

“A key part of the support the coaches at Live, Work, Thrive offer is helping clients navigate existing available statutory and voluntary services, and making referrals where necessary.

“The project is achieving the best results for its service users, but also increasing the amount of collaboration between local agencies.”

Councillor Terry Byrne, RDC Cabinet member for housing and homes, says: “We are delighted to be working with our partners on the Live, Work, Thrive Project.

“If you are a landlord or employer who may be able help and support local people experiencing homelessness, please do get in touch.”

Live, Work, Thrive is partly funded by Connecting Hastings and Rother Together, which is a Community Led Local Development Programme with access to European Social Funds (ESF) to support projects that
“bring a fresh approach to tackling deep-rooted problems.”

If you are a local landlord or agent interested in the initiative’s landlord offer or leasing scheme, or a local employer who can offer opportunities of employment or volunteering, contact Ella Hancock at liveworkthrive@hastings.gov.uk