The changes are part of a redesign of the local homelessness service aimed at early intervention and prevention and bringing together a range of existing council and health and social care partnership (HSCP) services under the one banner.

As well as offering accommodation solutions in partnership with private and registered social landlords, the new-look Housing Options and Homelessness Advice Service will signpost people towards advice about health, aids and adaptations, financial inclusion, budget management, and employability.

Councillor Robert Moran, chair of the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board (IJB) – the organisation that oversees local health and social care functions delegated to it by the Council/Health Board and delivered by the HSCP, said: “This new approach is geared towards preventing a housing crisis in the first place by offering people the tailored help and support they need to remain in their home or tenancy or looking at alternative housing options alongside the appropriate advice from partner services to tackle the root cause.

“It’s also important that we reduce and ultimately eliminate the stigma attached to homelessness because most people go through difficult spells in their lives for various reasons and often through no fault of their own and we, as a society, shouldn’t judge anyone but instead look to see what we can do to help them.

“We have a wealth of first-class public, private and third sector agencies throughout Inverclyde doing fantastic work supporting some of our most vulnerable residents and this new, joined-up approach will bring those together to act as a ‘one-stop shop’ for those who need support.”

Councils in Scotland have a legal duty to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Anyone who has nowhere to live or are afraid of losing their home is encouraged to contact the Housing Options and Homelessness Advice Service.

Staff will offer advice and explore permanent or temporary housing options if required.

To find out more and access support, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/housing-options or phone 01475 715880.