The change programme came into force in October 2022 and quickly developed a focus on early intervention and prevention.

The programme included a service redesign which promoted the variety of activities undertaken to prevent housing crises from occurring. This included working with health and social care partnership (HSCP) services under one banner with the new name, Inverclyde Housing Options and Homelessness Advice Service.

Now the redesign has been recognised by judges for the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Scottish Housing Awards where it is shortlisted in six categories: Housing Team of the Year, The Marion Gibbs Award for Equality in Housing, Housing Led Approaches to Homelessness, Excellence in Communications, Excellence in Learning and Development, and Working in Partnership.

Councillor Robert Moran, chair of the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board (IJB) – the organisation that oversees local health and social care functions delegated to it by the Council/Health Board and delivered by the HSCP, said: “This is wonderful news for the hardworking team in the Housing Options and Homelessness Advice Service and testament to their innovative way to approach to helping people.

“Although homelessness in Inverclyde is not a huge problem in terms of numbers, Inverclyde has some concentrated areas of deprivation where support needs for people are significantly high and complex.

“We are a stock transfer authority which some see as a weakness, however we have turned this into an opportunity for Inverclyde to make a real difference to people’s lives which has been well received by landlords and those needing permanent and secure accommodation.”

Long-term homelessness in Inverclyde is not due to a lack of social housing, it is often as a result of individuals who were caught in negative cycles of repeat homelessness, addiction and offending which made suitable and sustainable offers difficult to achieve.

As a result of a management focus on long-term homelessness, there has been a 58 per cent reduction in long-term homelessness, from 19 cases in December 2022 to 8 cases in June 2023.

There has also been a 27 per cent reduction in repeat homelessness in 2022/23.

As well as offering accommodation solutions in partnership with private and registered social landlords, the Housing Options and Homelessness Advice Service signposts people towards advice about health, aids and adaptations, financial inclusion, budget management, and employability.

A Rapid Rehousing Support Team was also put in place to provide intensive support where required and help break the cycle of homelessness. The support team works alongside the person to support them in things like tenancy management skills, budgeting and advocacy. People using the service have also been learning cooking skills to tackle food insecurity and work with alcohol and drug rehabilitation services and mental health services. Outreach work is also provided by local dentists and opticians.

The CHIS Scotland Housing Awards take place on Friday, October 27 in Glasgow.