A support group in Grimsby is aiming to provide direct support to those experiencing homelessness through a new outreach program.
Earlier this week, Creative Support joined forces with Grimsby Food Kitchen, and offered those the chance to access help. Gi Grimsby News joined support workers Andrea Patterson, and Marc Lawless, to get a firsthand look at what the service can offer.
The support workers attending the drop in session offered help with housing, setting up and managing bills, applying for benefits, building social independence, and support making appointments and attending.
Speaking further about the the help offered, HRS Support Worker Andrea Patterson said it was about “bringing the service to these people’” rather than them trying to seek help alone.
“We thought as they don’t have access to phones, email, we would bring the service to these people, rather than them try seek help.” She said.
Andrea said they have had a ‘really good response’. Each case will be followed up and the team will work closely with them towards a resolution.
Andrea also said they are hoping to extend the service across Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
“We don’t want anyone to be sleeping homeless, and aim to look for the under the radar cases too, we directly work with the council and take their details, and within 15 minutes they are registered with the council,” Andrea explained.
The next day support worker Marc attempted to converse with a small community in tents had been erected on former playing fields in Cleethorpes, however none of the occupants were present.
The group of four, who have been sleeping rough at the spot since at least December 2023, say they have tried hard to keep themselves to themselves, and to minimise the impact of their presence on other nearby residents.
Despite this, issues have now erupted because of the build up of waste in the area.
Speaking to Gi Grimsby News previously, two of the people residing in the gated camp explained how they had tried to access support via the council and charities on more than one occasion, but had been unsuccessful. They told us that several of them have medical problems which are exacerbated by their living conditions, but added that this was their “safest and best” available option.
Highlighting their plight, one member of the group said: “Where else can we go? We’re here because we are stuck- we’ve been trying.
“Without phones we can’t get in touch with the homeless team. You rely on relationships to get off the street then you just end up in the same position. When we walk into the doctors too, people just move chairs, and public toilets are locked early so what are we supposed to do.”
Discussing this case, Andrea said “we’ve got the ability to cut through the service to get help provided, including housing and benefits.
“We will get them help- it’s our work and our privilege,” she concluded.
