Waylen Street project to help rough sleepers and substance misuers » Housing » 24dash.com

Housing and support services provider BCHA and Reading Borough Council have officially opened Waylen Street, a project providing accommodation, care and support to rough sleepers with addiction problems in Reading.

At Waylen Street, BCHA provides intensive support for up to eight rough sleepers who have addiction issues.

Working with the local community and statutory agencies such as Reading Drug and Alcohol Action Team, health services, housing providers and the police, BCHA helps Waylen Street clients find a way forward through:

• Supporting individual needs
• Addressing drug and alcohol use
• Stable and healthier lifestyles
• Independent living skills
• Resettling into appropriate accommodation o Education and training as foundations for employment and financial independence

Councillor Tony Page, speaking at the event, said: "This is a ground-breaking 'first' for Reading and will help get people with addiction problems off the streets.

"The Waylen Street project offers a complete package of care and support, alongside their accommodation.  This is no easy option for former rough sleepers and requires the introduction of self-discipline, through shared responsibilities and peer pressure.

"As the former Lead Councillor for Community Action, I was involved in short-listing and interviewing the organisations interested in running this project.  We are delighted to be working with BCHA and wish them continued success in their 40th year."

Brian Swann of BCHA said: "BCHA is passionate about helping people find a way forward and we are delighted to be working in Reading.  The Waylen Street project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership working - through funding and service delivery.

"We are very excited about the help we can offer through Waylen Street. By getting people off the streets, we can we can provide tailored support to help them rebuild their lives.'

John, 42, (a fictional name has been used to protect resident's identity) started sleeping rough after being evicted from his accommodation.

He also had drug and alcohol issues, having used heroin and crack fro 20 years. John moved into Waylen Street and used drug agencies to reduce his drug use. Soon he was prescribed methadone and was ready for a detox.

John became an active resident of Waylen Street, contributing to house meetings, encouraging others to abide by house rules and helping with cleaning in the house. John has now moved into private accommodation where he continues to get support from local drug agencies.