Award for homelessness team's 'pioneering' work

A team that helps rough sleepers with accommodation and drug and alcohol support has won a national award for its "pioneering" work.

Bradford's Homeless Outreach Partnership (HOP), which is a cooperative of housing providers, healthcare organisations and the council, won gold in the housing category at the Local Government Chronicle Awards on Wednesday.

Commissioned by Bradford Council in 2019, the team works directly with people who are rough sleeping, helping them access the right support for their circumstances and needs.

Team coordinator Clare Flannigan, from Horton Housing, said the award recognised a "true partnership effort".

"We work every day with people who are facing very complex situations, often with a background of trauma," she said.

"There is no doubt the work can be highly challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. We really get to know people and it is a privilege to see them make progress."

Councillor Jayne Morgan, Bradford Council's cabinet member for healthy people, said HOP had transformed lives.

"This award is testament to the hard work of the HOP who are on the streets every day offering support and accommodation to those in need," she said.

"It has transformed the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in this district and is a truly pioneering approach in the way that it is so collaborative with many partners."

The Local Government Chronicle Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of council officers, councillors and public sector organisations across the country, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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