PEOPLE with drug and alcohol problems who may be struggling with housing issues in Rother are set to benefit from additional support.

Central Government has announced that East Sussex will receive a £1.3m share from a £53m national pot of money designed to help people in drug and alcohol treatment.

Rother District Council has welcomed the funding which will see a team placed in each district and borough council across the county to provide a range of support addressing tenancy start up and sustainment.

The funding will also support people in their homes to improve engagement in treatment services.  

Councillor Terry Byrne, lead councillor for Housing and Homes at Rother District Council, said: “I am delighted that people in Rother will benefit from this funding.

“Treatment outcomes for people in drug and alcohol recovery are often improved by addressing their housing needs at the same time, providing additional support and stability.

“This funding will allow us to create housing support schemes tailored to meet local need and enable us to help some of those most in need in our communities.”

The Housing Support Grant is dedicated funding to test the impact of targeted housing support interventions on recovery outcomes for people drug and alcohol treatment.

This approach will help to test what types of housing support are most effective to meet different local needs in all regions of England. 

Huw Merriman, MP Bexhill and Battle, said: “People experiencing drug and alcohol dependency often have complex problems. All too often this can place them at risk of homelessness when they need stability in their lives.

“I welcome this £1.3m government funding for East Sussex and Rother which will provide specialist local teams for housing and treatment support, helping to break the cycle of addiction and improve health outcomes.”

Sally-Ann Hart, MP for Hastings and Rye, said: “I welcome the news that £1.3 million will be made available for housing support for people in drug and alcohol treatment in East Sussex.

“Alcohol and drug dependency can have a devastating impact on those with the dependency and their families. Those with such problems will benefit hugely with support in addressing their housing needs and stability and help in achieving independent living.”

The housing project is one of a number of schemes planned across the UK over the next three years.

Other initiatives include training to help those dealing with trauma, women’s-only housing for those who have experienced domestic violence and support for those with cognitive impairments due to acquired brain injury.

Published: 1st March 2023