A NEW scheme offering support to young people facing homelessness will be officially launched next week.

A series of roadshows to introduce the homelessness prevention scheme will be held across Hambleton and Richmondshire, in conjunction with housing charity Foundation.

The scheme has led to the creation of two homelessness prevention teams in Northallerton and Richmond and homelessness surgeries established across the districts.

Aimed at people aged 18 and over, the scheme helps people 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 support people moving from temporary into permanent accommodation and officers from Foundation are working alongside Hambleton and Richmondshire District Council’s housing options team to resettle homeless people into permanent homes more quickly.

As part of the roadshow the team will be visiting markets in the following towns, between 9.30am and 12.30pm: · Thirsk on Monday, January 31 · Hawes and Bedale on Tuesday, February 1 · Northallerton on Wednesday, February 2 · Richmond indoor market on Thursday, February 3 · Leyburn, Easingwold and Stokesley on Friday, February 4.

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

To find out more go to www.foundationuk.org /Services/Hambleton&Richmondshire or call 01609-767008.