A TRIP to Parliament is on the cards for a tenant of the Craven Homeless Hub following a visit by Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith.

Sir Julian was recently invited by Horton Housing to meet some of the tenants and colleagues at the Skipton based homeless hub.

The hub provides services for people across the district who are at risk of , or who have experienced homelessness.

The Craven Rough Sleeper Pathway was funded by the former Craven District Council, and now North Yorkshire Council and provides holistic, trauma-informed and strength-based accommodation and support in Skipton.

Sir Julian spoke to tenants who had experienced homelessness for a variety of reasons.

He paid tribute to the staff and said how important the service was, not only because of the support it provided to homeless people, but because it relieved the pressure on the public sector.

He said: “I am grateful to Horton Housing Association for inviting me to visit the Craven Homeless Hub. I was pleased to learn about the dedication of the staff and the experiences of the people they support. Horton Housing’s approach is clearly making a difference, supporting people facing homelessness.

“This service provides more than just a roof over people’s heads, it helps them build the skills and confidence needed to move towards independent living.

"It is important that we continue to support and invest in such vital services, which not only reduces homelessness but also eases the pressure on public sector services."

Lucas Lis, one of the tenants, said: “It was a unique experience. I loved it!’ Lucas made such an impression on Mr Smith that he was invited to visit the MP in Parliament.

Services Director Ann Kendall from Horton Housing said: “The Craven Rough Sleeper Pathway provides a vital service supporting people who are rough sleeping and people who are at imminent risk of rough sleeping, moving them away from the streets as quickly as possible into safe and supported accommodation.

“We were delighted to welcome Sir Julian Smith to our service to show him how we are working with people experiencing homelessness to help them rebuild their lives and move into longer term homes.”

Horton Housing Association specialises in providing high quality housing, training and support for people in North Yorkshire, Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale and North Yorkshire.