"Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an on-going basis".

Bedford's Community of Practice for the homeless sector brings together front-line workers and volunteers on a regular basis to share ideas, information and best practice. We will open up new learning opportunities and encourage collaboration.

The group meets every two months to discuss issues and explore aspects of homelessness and rough sleeping in Bedford. There will be a free buffet lunch and networking opportunities to begin.

This month we will be looking at Housing First, and will have a guest speaker from Homeless Link to explain what Housing First is, and how it works for entrenched rough sleepers. It is founded on the principle of housing being a basic human right and provides permanent accommodation for people straight from the street. The model has no preconditions of addressing wider social care and support needs. This promises to be a very popular meeting, so please book early as places will be limited!