Derbyshire North, UK — River Network, Derbyshire Norths premier expanding supported housing development provider, is launching a vital 12-bed space expansion into Buxton on 1st September, bridging the gap between a critical national call and urgent local need, while aligning directly with Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s landmark commitment to eradicate rough sleeping.
Prime Minister Burnham recently declared ending rough sleeping as a core government directive, calling on local leaders across all sectors to play their part. River Network is answering this call on the frontline, utilising this strategic expansion into Buxton to turn the complex challenges of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) into massive opportunities for High Peak and the wider North Derbyshire area.
Jill Eckersley, Housing Support and Development Executive at River Network, highlighted the strategic alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision:
“Prime Minister Andy Burnham has thrown down the gauntlet, and at River Network, we are fully aligned with his mandate to end rough sleeping. Our new 12-bed development in Buxton is a direct, operational response to that national call, answering a profound and growing local need. However, policies only succeed when we remove the barriers between local government and frontline delivery. In light of the LGR transition, local and regional councils must pay close attention to frontline realities. We urge authorities to tear down systemic barriers and work hand-in-hand with charities on the ground who possess the vital expertise to deliver. Out of huge challenges come huge opportunities, but only if councils actively collaborate with frontline partners to embrace disruptive change, champion true innovation, and move forward by embracing innovative ways and technologies.
We must deploy holistic, integrated, and bespoke solutions that prioritise essential life skills and meaningful user involvement to completely upend the cycle of homelessness. True impact requires deep, integrated partnerships with the police, local businesses, and the real community leaders—parents and families. We must engage with them on their terms and truly listen. Our proven model—now further modernised through advanced CCTV safety infrastructure and digital portals streamlining support delivery—has consistently led to measurable crime reduction, positive people development, and successful move-ons into independent homes, ultimately leaving local communities greatly enhanced.”
Launching on 1st September, this targeted 12-bed expansion combines high-quality, secure accommodation with dedicated wrap-around support networks. Through robust user involvement, frontline innovation, disruptive change,support planning and life skills training, the program ensures vulnerable individuals can bypass traditional barriers, take ownership of their personal recovery, and transition out of homelessness permanently to plan for a brighter future.
About River Network:
River Network is North Derbyshire’s leading supported housing development provider and registered charity, driving disruptive change and innovation through high-quality secure accommodation, life skills training, and tailored, integrated wrap-around support services driven by active user involvement