ROUGH sleepers are set to benefit from extra support from next month.

Borough homelessness charity The Brick is teaming up with Wigan Council to offer an outreach service starting in December.

The Brick is also the lead provided for the borough’s homeless hubs in Leigh and Wigan.

It works with a number of charities and services to offer accommodation every day of the week and support to residents to help them be independent and prevent homelessness.

Operations director from The Brick Louise Green said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the charity to deliver the homeless and support contract.

“By working with partner agencies and Wigan Council we will be able to assist more people transitioning through homelessness.

“This exciting new opportunity will ensure that the most vulnerable people in the borough are supported.”

The work is part of the local authority’s approach to work closely with the voluntary and private sector to invest in homeless services and keep people off the streets.

Cllr Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing and welfare at Wigan Council, said: “We are so pleased to be working with The Brick and other partners to deliver more effective support and rehabilitation for our rough sleepers by identifying them earlier and preventing them reaching crisis point. This work is even more important as we go into winter.

“Everybody should be given the opportunity to live independently and we are committed to helping our residents have access to the right home at the right time.

“In the last year alone almost 5,000 potential homeless cases were prevented.

“We have made significant investments to help support homeless services and will continue to work with providers to deliver a cohesive approach so services can work together to better understand peoples circumstances and their needs.”

The local authority has also invested in its "Homeless Champion" programme which sees trained volunteers checking in with people on the streets daily.

This will gain an understanding of people’s circumstances and to offer appropriate support.

If you see a homeless person on the streets, please email roughsleep@wigan.gov.uk with as much information as possible (including their location) and our officers will investigate.

People will also receive an update on the situation.

Alternatively, the central duty team can be contacted out of hours on 01942 828777.