Fire service helping the homeless

The service partnered with charity Crisis Skylight to help improve their housing situation and provide fire safety advice.

The project was awarded £82,789 under South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority's funding scheme —the Stronger Safer Communities Reserve.

Station Manager Darren Perrot said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the most vulnerable people in South Yorkshire, and help those in need who we haven’t been able to reach previously. 

“Crisis is a great charity which offers these people a chance at living a comfortable life, and if we can educate them in how to prevent fires at the same time then it benefits everyone. 

“This is why the fund was set up and it’s brilliant to see the direct benefits within the local community.”

Crisis Skylight works with the fire service to identify homeless people considered vulnerable due to physical and mental health.

Support workers help them sustain a tenancy and arrange for safety checks to be carried out and smoke alarms fitted. 

A spokesman said: “The project aims to improve the tenancy skills of homeless people, many of whom have never lived in private rented accommodation before.”