With the cold weather upon us and as the cost of living continues to rise, Rutland County Council wants to ensure that residents struggling with their housing costs and who could be faced with homelessness and rough sleeping know that support is available.

Rutland County Council's dedicated Housing Options Team and support specialists, P3 are working together across the county to help prevent homelessness and support people to keep their homes. They can help ensure that anyone who is homeless is provided with safe and secure accommodation and provide support and advice to people who are on the verge of homelessness.

P3's support has been designed to help people in Rutland avoid homelessness. They can also support anyone over the age of 16 with budgeting, housing advice, managing a tenancy, reducing social isolation, support to manage a new home and access to employment, education and training.

Rutland County Council's Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Care, Cllr Samantha Harvey, said: "Sadly, in the current climate and in the lead up to Christmas, more people are finding themselves in severe financial difficulty or could really benefit from advice and support on how to manage their finances. 

"Our Housing Options Team are fantastic and, by working with together with P3 we can really make a difference to those who need of a roof over their heads or need some support in order to avoid becoming homeless. 

"We would urge anyone in difficulty not to delay in reaching out for help if they need it." 

If you or someone you know could benefit from advice from P3, you can make a quick and simple online referral or by calling 07530 620980.

Rutland County Council is currently running a campaign to support people during the cost of living crisis. If you are in need of support in other areas, visit the Rutland County Council website.

Anyone can report concerns about a rough sleeper by contacting the Rutland County Council Housing Options team on 01572 758157 during office hours (Monday – Thursday 08.30 – 17:00, Friday 08:30 – 16:30). 

Alternatively, you can email any concerns to: [email protected]

If you encounter someone sleeping rough when the Council's main offices are closed, you can call the Council's dedicated out of hours support service on: 01858 464 499.