A new scheme which offers support to young people facing homelessness across Hambleton and Richmondshire will be officially launched next week.

A series of roadshows is being staged to introduce the ‘homelessness prevention’ scheme. The team will be visiting markets in Thirsk, Hawes, Bedale, Northallerton, Richmond, Easingwold, Leyburn and Stokesley.

The scheme has seen two homelessness prevention teams set up in Northallerton and Richmond – and homelessness surgeries established across the districts. Officers from charity, Foundation, are working alongside Hambleton and Richmondshire District Council’s Housing Options team to resettle homeless people into permanent homes more quickly.

It is aimed at people 18+ experiencing difficulties in their housing situation, who are in transition from actual or threatened homelessness, or who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Applicants can be tenants, home owners or homeless. It will also be aimed at people moving from temporary accommodation into permanent accommodation and will prioritise those who are living in temporary accommodation designated by the district councils. And it is designed to provide short term (maximum of two years) support.

The roadshows take place from 9.30am until 12.30pm on:

• Monday January 31 at Thirsk
• Tuesday February 1 at Hawes and Bedale
• Wednesday February 2 at Northallerton
• Thursday February 3 at Richmond (Indoor Market)
• Friday February 4 at Leyburn, Easingwold and Stokesley

Displays will also be in place at Hambleton’s Civic Centre and Richmondshire’s Community office from January 31 to February 3.

The week of events offers local people the chance to meet the team and find out more about what it does. To find out more go to www.foundationuk.org or contact a member of the team on (01609) 767008.