A £7.8 million grant has been announced to support local authorities and third sector organisations to deliver front line services to prevent homelessness in Wales.

The funding for the Homelessness Prevention Programme for 2017/18 aims to helps people who are affected by homelessness through the provision of night shelters, hostels, outreach work, mediation and bond schemes as well as providing a substantial network of advice services.

Announcing the funding, cabinet secretary for communities and children Carl Sargeant said: “Providing people with a safe, warm and secure home remains a key priority. Local authorities have made a positive start in implementing the legislation we introduced last year to help everyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. As well as helping local authorities build on this work, the funding will help projects provide services directly to people to address their housing problems.

“Our legislation means more people than ever before are getting help at an earlier stage so that homelessness can be prevented. I would urge anyone who thinks they are at risk of becoming homeless to seek advice and help. The earlier you get advice, the less likely you are to become homeless.”

One of the organisations who will receive funding in 2017/18 is Barnardos Cymru which manages the BAYS Mediation & Home Support service which aims to prevent homelessness in the Swansea area by supporting young people to settle arguments and differences with their family.

Sarah Crawley, director of Barnardos Cymru said: “This funding will be pivotal in helping us support young people who are at risk of homelessness by allowing them to remain at home or find other suitable accommodation. We welcome the chance to support Swansea Council in its new duties of preventing homelessness for everyone.”

Cllr Dyfed Edwards, WLGA spokesperson for housing, said: “The WLGA welcomes the announcement of the Homelessness Prevention Programme funding. Local authorities and their partners work with thousands of households each year facing the threat and misery of homelessness, this funding is vital in ensuring that the staff and services required to prevent and relieve homelessness are available across Wales.”