SIX lucky people who have experienced long-term homelessness will be moving into a brand-new home thanks to a new project.

The Next Steps Accommodation Programme, which launched during the Covid-19 pandemic saw more than 270 local authorities come together to find permanent homes for people who are homeless.                                  

Sovereign Housing Association and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council teamed up to do just this. Two temporary accommodation properties, which were owned by Sovereign Housing have been given a £150,000 makeover, with skylights fitted to introduce natural light, new kitchens and additional bathrooms.

The six new people who are moving into the new home will also have access to psychological and practical support. The support will be given by Sovereign, who provide housing-related support, while Outcome home’s peer mentor team will provide practical care.

Charlie Wood, a Sovereign resident and member of Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council’s social inclusion partnership was on hand to welcome the new residents.

He said: “The people we work with respond well to us because we have that shared hardship experience and because we’ve lived it. 

“We’re able to be non-judgemental and accepting, because we’ve all faced similar challenges. It is making a difference.”

The practical care will include those who have experienced homelessness themselves guiding others through the experience of moving house. As well as this trained psychologist will also regularly check in to make sure the process is running smoothly.

Councillor Tristan Robinson, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for homes and housing regeneration, added: “We are committed to working closely with our partners and the Social Inclusion Partnership to help keep our vulnerable residents off the streets and this would not have been possible without the expertise and passion from everyone involved.”


Cllr Robinson said that he would like to thank everyone involved in the project especially the mentors who will be sharing their own experiences.

The scheme has since been shortlisted for ‘Homelessness Partnership of the Year’ at the UK Housing Awards thanks to its innovative design.