Gloucester City Council has unveiled a proactive strategy to address homelessness by intervening before individuals reach a crisis. On July 9, the council’s cabinet approved the launch of the Gloucester Offer, a comprehensive early intervention service aimed at prevention as much as providing direct support to those currently homeless.
Recognizing the profound impact homelessness has on physical and mental health, employment, and family stability, the Gloucester Offer builds on existing assistance measures such as rent advance payments, deposit support, and collaboration with landlords to resolve rent arrears and prevent evictions.
A new tenancy relations service will serve as a dedicated resource for private tenants and landlords, offering advice and mediation to resolve disputes involving families and single tenants. The scheme also includes guidance on accessing help with energy bills and trauma counseling, addressing underlying issues that can lead to homelessness.
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Crucially, the council plans to introduce face-to-face home visits, fostering stronger community engagement and better outcomes for those at risk. Councillor Luke Shervey emphasized the initiative as a “win-win” that not only addresses root causes but also benefits council finances, leveraging a £550,000 government fund to transform homelessness support.
Shervey underscored the importance of early intervention: “If we can catch people facing homelessness sooner, we have a much better outcome for the resident.” He described the initiative as a step toward making Gloucester “no longer a closed door,” encouraging people to seek help without fear of being turned away.
With a background in housing, Shervey highlighted the strong link between homelessness and health issues. The Gloucester Offer’s holistic approach aims to stop homelessness before it starts while simultaneously improving mental health and social support—connecting individuals to mediation, mental health services, and cost-of-living assistance.
He is also working to reopen the council’s reception at The Gateway, which has remained locked, limiting accessibility. “All other councils have kept theirs open,” he noted, aiming to reverse this for better community access to support services.
Gloucester’s new approach signals a commitment to openness, accessibility, and early help, setting a positive precedent in tackling homelessness with compassion and practical support.