BASINGSTOKE and Deane has gained international recognition for its work on supporting the homeless in the borough.

During a recent Community, Environment and Partnerships Committee meeting, members of the Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) gave councillors an update on the work that is being done to help rough sleepers in the town.

Members heard how the work of the SIP is now gaining a reputation in the United States and Australia, with authorities there looking at the Basingstoke model.

Chair of the SIP, Councillor Terri Reid, said: “The experience of all partners within the SIP since its inception has been of a remarkable and journey of innovation and achievement.

“We gauge this not only in terms of the numerous specific outcomes we have accomplished, but also in appreciating the added value and enrichment we can bring to the community through genuine, joined-up partnership working.”

In updating members with what the next step in the collaborative work of the SIP is going forward, councillors heard the partnership is looking to offer psychological support to people in May Place and May Rose Court.

This will be offered in the form of one-to-one sessions or in group therapy depending on the person's needs.

In the latest street audit carried out by the SIP, the number of rough sleepers for 2018 was eight, down from 26 in 2016.

But, borough council service leader for housing and social inclusion, Kate Randal, addressed the meeting saying that the nature of rough sleeping has changed in that time.

She said: “There is an ongoing process of how we support rough sleepers, but there has been a shift from the entrenched nature that we were used to seeing two years ago.

“So, we have to change how we approach things and how we draw conclusions from the collaborative work we are doing.”