Newark and Sherwood District Council meeting with Well Homeless to consider life-saving NAP Pads to support rough sleepers
Life-saving pods for rough sleepers could be in the future for the district, after the issue was raised at a full council meeting.
Former mayor Laurence Goff posed the question of NAP Pads to Newark and Sherwood District Council at a full council meeting yesterday (Tuesday), as a member of the public.
His question said: “What is the district council doing regarding rough sleepers during the winter months. Have they considered NAP Pads which could save the lives of homeless people in the district. Would the council have a suitable location for these.
“The NAP Pads are fitted with non-invasive vital life sensors to confirm that the users are still breathing. Each pad is self-contained with toilet and wash facilities, a security door, window, power points, heater and LED lighting. These NAP Pads are being piloted in York and other areas and could save countless lives.”
It was answered by portfolio holder for housing Lee Brazier, who praised both the question and Mr Goff’s previous work supporting rough sleepers when he was on the council.
Mr Brazier said: “I can confirm that we as an administration are meeting [on Wednesday] with the chair of Well Homeless, around NAP pads, to discuss how they can fit into Newark and Sherwood district.
“I can also confirm that our new temporary accommodation at Alexander Lodge is set to open very soon. This will have provision for homelessness support as well as temporary accommodation.”
NAP (Night-time Accommodation Project) Pads are a collaboration between the Salvation Army and Lancashire-based company Protectal, and are shipping container sized, moveable, emergency accommodation structures.
Each structure has four self-contained units, fitted with sensors which can detect if the occupant stops breathing, as well as essential facilities. They can be mains connected or run off a generator.
Mr Brazier also highlighted the council’s decision to trigger the severe weather provision for rough sleepers during recent weather events, which enables rough sleepers to access temporary accommodation.
“Going forward we are looking at our wider temporary accommodation across the district, and how we can improve this in the future,” Mr Brazier added.
Mr Goff followed his question up with a further query about the possibility of a hostel for rough sleepers.
He spoke about rising levels of homelessness, citing the figure of 1,350 rough sleepers in Nottingham city alone.
“This last December we had people sleeping in Sconce park and other places in the district,” he added.
He requested a written response to the question, which is to be provided by Mr Brazier.
