How to survive homelessness: A new guide is set to be launched in Barnsley

For a growing number of people in South Yorkshire, their lives are lived struggling to meet their most basic needs. Whether that means keeping a roof over their head or a meal to sustain them, they need help to survive.

With recent findings from the Vital Signs 2018 report revealing that the top concerns for local people are deprivation and homelessness, people in our region like many currently across the UK are in crisis.

Recognising this urgent need for support, the Homeless Survival Guide for South Yorkshire has been officially launched as a comprehensive resource for anyone who is experiencing homelessness or the risk of becoming homeless. The guide gives essential information on the variety of charitable and public sector services available in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster that can be accessed for support.

The Homeless Survival Guide is the vision of Barry Eldred DL. After coming across a similar guide in Bristol, the Survival Handbook produced by the charity, Caring in Bristol, he was impressed by how essential a resource the guide had become for many vulnerable people in the city.

Resolving to replicate this impact in South Yorkshire, the guide has begun to be distributed and made accessible to those most in need. Now, the guide is set to be officially launched in Barnsley at a special event on the 22nd July at Priory Campus.

Barry Eldred said: “It was my hope that my year in office as High Sheriff would enable me to make a difference for those leading complex, fragile lives.

“With the help of SYCF, the Local Authorities, and the amazing energy of the charities involved in caring for those in desperate circumstances, my ambition has come together in this Guide.

“The positive reaction of other towns and organisations, who have expressed an interest in producing their own guide, is further proof of the need for the help that such guides offer.”

In partnership with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF), the guide is already being positively received by local charities. It is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many local people and as a resource for services also.

CEO Ruth Willis said: “Pulling together this guide has been a big job, but we have been happy to do it. The potential impact this guide can have on the lives of local people is incredible. As a charity, our aim is to improve the lives of local people, no matter their circumstances. This guide can help us to achieve that goal.”

Looking ahead plans are already in place to develop an online version of the guide. An online version will offer another way of accessing vital information which can also be regularly updated with the latest resources available in each area of South Yorkshire.

The South Yorkshire Homeless Survival Guide has been made possible with the support of partner agencies and all four local authorities and thanks to donations from generous local businesses and people.

If you would like to attend the launch: the event will take place at Barnsley CVS, Priory Campus, Pontefract Road, S71 5PN on Monday 22nd July from 3 – 4.30pm.