People at risk of becoming homeless across Buckinghamshire could be helped, thanks to a £625,000 grant.

The money, part of the government’s homelessness prevention trailblazers scheme, which made £20 million available across the country, will enable Bucks councils to come up with new ways to prevent homelessness.

The aim is to work with at least 400 people from across the county to help prevent them from becoming homeless over the course of the two year pilot programme.

The county-wide scheme will see local authorities liaising with a wide group of partners such as GPs, job centres, schools and the voluntary sector.

The project will establish support hubs across the county to identify people who might be at risk of homelessness and give them the help they need before they reach crisis point.

The new services will be overseen by an agency that will be managed and co-ordinated by Aylesbury Vale District Council on behalf of the other local authorities.

Cllr Julia Langley, Wycombe District Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are delighted the consortium’s bid to become government trailblazers for tackling homelessness has been successful.

“Housing is a key priority for Wycombe District Council and we are always looking for new ways to help prevent the people of our district from becoming homeless.

“This grant recognises our commitment to supporting our residents at the most difficult of times and providing them with a network of services to help them to get back on their feet.”

The bid was led by Aylesbury Vale District Council in conjunction with Wycombe District Council, Chiltern District Council, South Bucks District Council and Buckinghamshire County Council.

WDC’s housing team can provide help and advice if people are at risk of losing their homes or, if necessary, help them find alternative accommodation.

If anyone finds themselves sleeping rough, the Connections outreach service is on hand to assess circumstances and provide appropriate support.

Anyone sleeping rough or anyone who spots rough sleepers, can call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or go to www.streetlink.org.uk.

For advice or more information about the support on offer in the Wycombe district, go to www.wycombe.gov.uk/housing or call 01494 421 212, or the emergency out of hours number on 0800 999 7677.