A NEW cross county scheme to provides homes for the homeless has been launched in Conwy and Denbighshire.

Housing First aims to ensure people are settled as quickly as possible into their own home and are provided with the support they need, at their own pace, and for as long as they need it, to sustain their tenancy.

The pilot scheme is being supported and funded by the Welsh Government, with the team working with Denbighshire County Council and Conwy County Borough Council.

Abergele councillor Charlie McCoubrey, CCBC’s cabinet member for housing and regulatory, said: “I’m very pleased that we’re able to work together as local authorities on the Housing First initiative and to also help achieve the wider aims of the Regional Homelessness Strategy.”

There is an emerging evidence base to show this approach has the potential to address the high and complex needs of individuals and deliver a sustainable exit from homelessness, improve health and well-being and enable social integration.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for Well-being and Independence, said: “I’m pleased we will be operating the Housing First pilot to provide additional support to those residents who are experiencing long-term homelessness.”