Plans have been approved to house a new Inclusive Homelessness Service in Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) green lit the proposals for a base on the site of the former Panmure St Ann's school.

The new operational base will allow the co-location of NHS Lothian, City of Edinburgh Council and third sector agencies, allowing them to work more closely together to provide a range of health and care services to the homeless population of Edinburgh.

The site will bring together the services of Edinburgh Access Practice and Access Point, helping around 1000 users benefit from GP, housing support, social work and criminal justice service.

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The new centre will also welcome third sector partners, such as Streetwork and Cyrenians and provide touchdown accommodation. Both organisations support Edinburgh's homeless population and act as a bridge between the service users and the public-sector agencies.

Plans are also included for four consulting/treatment rooms and eight interview rooms as well as occupational therapy assessment space and staff workstations.

The project is expected to be delivered in 2020.

Ricky Henderson, Chair Edinburgh Integration Joint Board, said: "The EIJB is delighted to endorse the use of the former Panmure St Ann's School as the new operational base for the Inclusive Homelessness Service. Panmure represents one of the first major capital projects undertaken on behalf of the EIJB.

"The project seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable, disenfranchised and disengaged citizens who often exhibit a range of profound and complex needs and who need high levels of support. 

"Whilst the building will require some adaptations, I am confident that it is the best location for service users who will benefit from an established one-stop shop."

(CM/MH)