Formerly homeless people will be consulted about the best way to help others escape a rootless life on the streets, city council heard Monday.

It’s key to involve “people with lived experience” as a new strategy to deal with homelessness is devised in the next year, said Sue Wheeler, the city’s social development manager.

A group of about 15 people will head the anti-homeless strategy, dubbed Journey Home.

As well as having broad representation on the overseeing committee, a key feature of the initiative will be making it as easy as possible for homeless people to find their way into safe and secure accommodation.