A homelessness support service in Shepton Mallet is set to relocate from its current base at The Dusthole on Garston Street to a new site on Peter Street, as part of changes to how rough sleepers are supported in Mendip.

Julian House, which operates the off-the-streets service on behalf of Somerset Council, has been providing ten bed spaces and support for rough sleepers at The Dusthole since summer 2023. The property was originally used during the pandemic as part of the council's "Everyone In" scheme to house homeless individuals.

From 1 April 2025, the service will transition to three smaller, dispersed sites across the district. The Peter Street property, located near existing homes, will provide six bed spaces, while two other locations will each offer three spaces.

A spokesperson for Julian House said: "This service is sadly vital, given the high number of local people forced to sleep rough or otherwise live insecurely. Julian House is committed to giving homeless people a pathway back to independence and security."

The charity says it has clarified its referral criteria to ensure it can effectively support each client and will provide night-time concierge services at the new site. Once the move is completed, it will no longer be working with the landlord of The Dusthole.

Julian House is inviting local residents to a community engagement session at Shepton Mallet Library at 7pm on Tuesday 11 March, where they can ask questions and meet the local team.