Charity opens accommodation for 30 vulnerable adults

A recovery charity has opened 30 flats that could become permanent homes for vulnerable people.

ARA Recovery 4 All worked with Bristol City Council to buy accommodation across the city under a project called Housing First.

Tenants will be offered targeted support to ensure that they are able to form a solid foundation in the property.

Similar schemes are already under way in Manchester, Liverpool and the West Midlands.

"It's aimed at supporting people with multiple disadvantages for whom other housing provision has not worked.

"The aim is to give them a base and build other support around it," said Robbie Thornhill, Director of Operations at ARA.

ARA's housing manager, Andy Cook, has previously experienced homelessness and personally benefited from a similar scheme.

"I benefited from support that was long term, was understanding of my needs and eventually when I felt ready to make those changes, that support worker was there to walk with me on that journey of recovery," he said.

Similar schemes elsewhere have been credited with a fall in hospital admissions, anti-social behaviour and demand on homelessness services.

Tenants are selected by the council and ARA, and the first will be moving in later this month.

It is hoped the accommodation could help some of the city's longest-term rough sleepers while also saving money for the council through reduced demand on services.

Bristol has seen a rise in people rough sleeping in the city over the past year.