The Homeless Prevention Team, part of Falkirk Council’s Housing Needs Service, is expanding its support to housing stability, as part of its work to prevent homelessness. Focused on helping individuals and families stay in their current homes or make planned moves into suitable accommodation, the team offers wide-ranging support tailored to those at risk of losing their home.

One of the key aspects of the team’s work is raising awareness of available resources and ensuring people know how to access them.

With the upcoming implementation of the “Ask and Act” provision within the Scottish Housing Bill, the team is also working to prepare people and local services for this shift. The new legislation will place a shared responsibility on everyone to ask questions about housing situations, and take appropriate action in response.

To increase accessibility, the Homeless Prevention Team offers appointments at multiple locations, including Falkirk Library on Mondays and Tuesdays, the Woodlands Resource Centre within Falkirk Community Hospital on Fridays, and at various DWP offices, as well as home visits and telephone consultations.

The support offered by the Homeless Prevention Team spans a wide range of housing-related issues, including:

challenges such as family breakdown, anti-social behaviour, hoarding, or self-neglect
assistance with landlord matters, such as understanding notice to quit procedures
financial concerns, including affordability and managing money worries
help with housing applications to Falkirk Council and registered social landlords like Link Housing and Paragon Housing Association
guidance through the online bidding process on platforms such as Housing Online and Homehunt
information on private rental options and the Deposit Assistance Scheme
support with applications for Housing with Care for those whose current home no longer meets their physical needs
detailed guidance on the homelessness process if preventative efforts are unsuccessful

In addition, the team facilitates referrals and applications for other crucial support services, including:

debt and welfare advice
tenancy sustainment services provided by Wheatley Care
family mediation and Social Work referrals
Scottish Welfare Fund (Community Care and Crisis Grants)
Prevention Fund applications

The team also plays an advocacy role, representing clients in Social Work and school meetings, First Tier Tribunal hearings, and working within Forth Valley Royal Hospital to support housing solutions for patients facing discharge delays.

A spokesperson for the team said:

“Homelessness can be a traumatic experience. We want people to know that there is help available to prevent it before it happens.”

Anyone who feels they may benefit from the support of the Homeless Prevention Team can contact the team by phone: 01324 503600, or email: preventionteam@falkirk.gov.uk

Alternatively, for further information, please visit the dedicated Housing Needs Service page, or the dedicated Homelessness page (both linked for your convenience).