A GRANT of £400,000 to help keep homeless and vulnerable people off the streets has been secured by Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire authorities.

The funding to help people move into more permanent accommodation will be spent throughout the region to provide additional outreach services over the next two years.

The money allows Barnsley Council to appoint a specialist mental health support worker, dedicated to helping rough sleepers and those at risk of ending up on the streets.

Council spokesman Coun Jenny Platts said: "Being homeless is a terrible situation for anyone to be in. Evidence shows that mental health issues feature highly among this population.

"We are working to provide the wraparound support needed for rough sleepers to come off the streets as well as ensure people don't end up there in the first place."

Although homelessness is on the rise nationally, in Barnsley the numbers have been relatively stable over the last couple of years, the council says. A homeless prevention strategy is to be developed to address the issues within the borough.

Coun Platts said: "Homelessness takes many forms including sofa surfing, rough sleeping and being given notice to leave accommodation. "Many of those who've approached us have multiple and complex needs, including mental health, offending and substance misuse. Engaging with these residents is a key priority for the team."

Residents who are concerned about someone sleeping rough are encouraged to notify the council through Street Link at www.streetlink.org.uk