Sleep Pods to help homeless in Durham

Innovative Sleep Pods supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society are now being carried by Durham Constabulary neighbourhood policing teams in a force first.

The issue of homelessness was tackled head on after the Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood Policing Team partnered up with the charity, Cornerstone Supported Housing and Counselling, last year.

The charity has been providing emergency housing and life skills support to vulnerable individuals in the town since it launched its hub in Finkle Street last Summer.

Led by PCSO Matt Foggin, the NPT team actively refer people in crisis, those facing domestic abuse, addiction, or mental health challenges toward Cornerstone’s services which not only safeguards vulnerable people but reduces incidents of crime and associated disorder in the long run.

Working hand-in-hand with officers, the charity’s staff and volunteers also conduct regular street outreach patrols with dedicated therapy dog, Bob, to locate rough sleepers and guide them to safety.

Bob, often referred to as the charity’s “secret weapon”, bridges the gap where humans can’t and even once helped convince a man not to take his own life.

The popular pooch joined Cornerstone’s Response Team, Nicky Morson and Georgina Mawson and Sleep Pod creator, Ian Ashby and general manager, Katie Matthews at Police Headquarters last month to meet Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen, Deputy PCC Graham Hall and PCSOs after the force accepted 100 new Sleep Pods.

The pods are specially designed to protect an individual from the elements and reduce anti-social behaviour and other criminal behaviour associated with tents. They are a temporary measure that helps keep the user safe until Cornerstone can work with them to secure more permanent housing.

The pods are also made by prisoners, 40 per cent of whom have experienced rough sleeping, which founder Mr Ashby said meant they were made with the care of people who know exactly what it’s like to find themselves at their lowest.

“I think this relationship between the charity and police is golden,” he said. “The main aim is to support people and get people off the street.”

Ms Morson said the pods were a “massive tool” to help the charity support individuals and also put off those who pretend to be homeless who “soon get sick of being pestered” by the charity and leave the area whilst the community now also recognises those with a Sleep Pod are genuinely in need and getting support.

ACC Allen added: “When I talk to people about our PCSOs I always say they punch above their weight and this is a prime example of that.

“Problem solving and preventing issues before they occur are a priority for the force. Working with partners on initiatives like this mean that we get fewer victims and fewer perpetrators.”