Petrus

Petrus housing aims:

• To accommodate people who are homeless or would otherwise be at risk of homelessness and who are in need of and accepting of support in their transition to independent living.
• To be accountable to stakeholders and funders, including the local authority and referral agents, and ensure that our supported housing is provided for people in the greatest need.
• To make optimum use of the property and minimise void losses, allowing that lettings may be deferred to allocate rooms appropriately taking into account the specific needs of service users.
• To ensure equality of opportunity in the selection and allocation of accommodation.
• To assist the local housing authority in their duties towards homeless vulnerable people.

Referrals for the housing projects are made directly by the person seeking accommodation or through an acting agency through our referral process.

All referrals and queries should be made direct to the relevant project except for Beswicke Royds Street, Falinge Road and Ruth House for which referral is made by way of the Mental Health Allocation Panel on 01706 654583.

In addition Petrus work in partnership with the Council's Community Restart Team to provide a high support mental health accommodation service which includes a crisis unit. Referrals for this service can be made by contacting the Community Restart Team on 01706 658559.

Emergency cover and support is covered through Petrus housing accommodation.

The hub is our day service which aims to empower and engage people in need.

It provides a range of services, including:

• One to one assessment.
• Advice and advocacy.
• Short-term outreach support.
• Links to our accommodation services.
• Links to other support services in the community.

The hub also offers resources for people who are experiencing homelessness, including:

• A free breakfast service.
• Showering and laundry facilities.
• Access to clean clothing.

If you see someone sleeping rough

The hub is also where our outreach team is based, who go out and engage with people who are sleeping rough.

If you are concerned about someone on the streets, contact Petrus.

Once we know about a rough sleeper, we go out regularly to engage with them, give them a drink, food and other essentials, and invite them to the Hub where they can get washed, do laundry, and access support services to help them find a place to stay.

Petrus provides a range of services for women in Rochdale Borough as well as Rossendale and Oldham.

We have female-only supported housing at three sites across the Borough with a total of 21 bed-spaces, four mixed-gender services with 58 bed-spaces and 20 men-only bed-spaces. Many of our female residents have experience of domestic abuse including controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour and can encompass physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. This can result in low self-esteem and self-confidence, feelings of helplessness and powerlessness, anxiety, depression and a lowered sense of self-worth, and can present as, substance use, offending, joblessness and homelessness. Petrus works to enable victims to make informed decisions and choices about their own futures.

Our range of accommodation and other support services allows us to offer support at the appropriate level for each individual, promoting empowerment and resilience rather than dependency while protecting the most vulnerable and minimising risk.

We have a range of activities which have therapeutic value but can also promote engagement, resilience and employability, including gardening, singing, art and film projects, volunteering and employment training. Residents will also have free access to items such as, clothing and children’s toys from the Petrus Community Store. These existing Petrus services will provide added value to this contract as they will be easily accessible by the residents of the refuge and support them in rebuilding their lives.

Petrus people is Petrus' Social Enterprise arm. Petrus people aims to develop intiatives which provide services that benefit the community at large and opportunities for employment and volunteering.

Currently Petrus people are operating a community store and Petrus people incredible edible Rochdale.

Petrus people:

• Currently supports over 100 people each year access recycled goods which will help them to maintain or move into accommodation.
• Employs three staff.
• Provides opportunites to a wide range of volunteers.