The most effective way to tackle homelessness is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Early intervention — identifying people at risk and providing the right support before they reach crisis point — can save lives, save money, and prevent enormous suffering. Seaside CIC is committed to both responding to homelessness and working to prevent it in Brighton and Hove.
Who is at Risk of Homelessness?
Anyone can become homeless, but some people are at significantly higher risk. Key risk groups include:
- People leaving prison — without suitable accommodation on release, many ex-offenders quickly end up on the streets
- Care leavers — young people leaving the care system without family support are disproportionately represented among the homeless population
- Veterans — leaving the armed forces can create a sudden loss of housing, community, and routine
- People fleeing domestic abuse — leaving a dangerous relationship often means leaving a home too
- People with mental health or addiction issues — conditions that make it difficult to manage daily life, including maintaining a tenancy
- People in rent arrears — financial difficulty can quickly escalate to eviction if not addressed early
What Does Homelessness Prevention Look Like?
Effective homelessness prevention involves identifying people at risk and intervening early. This can take many forms:
- Housing support — helping people manage their tenancy, resolve disputes, and address rent arrears before eviction
- Debt and benefits advice — ensuring people receive the financial support they are entitled to
- Mental health and addiction support — treating underlying conditions that put tenancies at risk
- Mediation — resolving family breakdowns and disputes that might otherwise lead to someone being asked to leave home
- Support on release from prison or care — ensuring people leave with somewhere safe to go
The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
Since the Homelessness Reduction Act came into force in 2018, local authorities in England — including Brighton and Hove City Council — have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent homelessness for anyone at risk within 56 days of losing their home. This was a landmark change that significantly extended the rights of people facing homelessness.
However, local authorities cannot do this work alone. Organisations like Seaside CIC play a vital role in delivering prevention services and supporting people through the process.
How Seaside CIC Helps Prevent Homelessness
Seaside CIC works with individuals at risk of homelessness to provide the support they need to keep their homes or find new ones. Our comprehensive needs support service works with people who have complex and multiple needs — the people most at risk of falling through the gaps.
We believe that with the right help at the right time, homelessness can be prevented for most people. If you are at risk of homelessness in Brighton, or if you work with people who are, please get in touch with Seaside CIC today.
