The Government’s national plan to end homelessness has set out an ambition to reduce rough-sleeping and is encouraging councils to focus on early intervention and homelessness prevention.
Bedford Borough Council says rough sleeper services in Bedford Borough are being overhauled to reflect demand.
But change is on the way; as part of the change, the Prebend day centre will be closing.
Read: SMART CJS announces closure of the Prebend Day Centre
Night beds will be remodelled from overnight camp beds in a hall to self-contained rooms, reflecting best practice and an improved service offer.
This is said to give customers safe and warm spaces to stay during the day, with their own cooking and washing facilities, and provides them with dignity, privacy and the opportunity to build independence
Rough sleeper outreach
The Council says it is continuing to provide rough sleeper outreach, welfare and night bed services.
Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative/Wixams & Wilstead), the portfolio holder for economic prosperity, planning, housing and regulatory services, said: “We’ve worked in close partnership with SMART over the last decade.
“Many rough sleepers and homeless people have been helped and had their lives changed thanks to the tireless dedication of Council officers and SMART staff who have consistently gone above and beyond.”
“During this transition, SMART is still working with customers on the ground and have shared ideas for new services, while many SMART staff will be moving across to the Council to continue working with us.”
Bedford Borough Council says it has worked closely with homelessness charity SMART to ensure that these changes are introduced smoothly before the charity ceases its operations on 2 October 2026.
Louise Ritchie, ceo of SMART, said: “I have confidence in these changes, and what they will mean both for our clients and for Bedford Borough.
“It will mean continuity of services for our homeless community, and many of our staff will be transferring to work for Bedford Borough Council.
“I’m proud to have been part of SMART, and I know that until the final day every single member of our team will continue to put their heart and soul into their jobs.”
