SUSTAIN, Wakefield is a multi-use support service that intervenes to ensure people do not lose their homes and to prevent homelessness among single people and families.

Based in St Catherine Church Centre, Belle Vue, Sustain supports 175 single clients, 60 couples and families across the Wakefield District. Sustain Wakefield works to help clients:

keep and maintain their existing accommodation

access benefits and budget better

develop housing management and social skills

Sustain encourages clients to work with landlords, family mediation and plan around better access to health services, training and employment. Sustain also make referrals or signposts to other agencies where needed for example healthcare, child support or addiction rehabilitation.

In addition to a team of support workers, there is a peer support co-ordinator who supports the development of peer to peer support and befriending to reduce social isolation amongst clients through a network of peer supporters.

As the first Turning Lives Around project outside Leeds, Chief Executive, Janet Spencer, is optimistic Sustain Wakefield is a unique opportunity to prevent homelessness and encourage independence.