Rough sleeping

Not all rough sleepers are aware that advice and support is available to them.

By telling us about someone who is sleeping rough, you will help to connect that person to the local services available.

Who to contact

The council's Housing Options Team

 If you or someone you know is sleeping rough or does not have a fixed place to stay, then contact the Housing Options Team for help and advice by completing our housing options contact form or calling 01455 238141.

StreetLink

You can help or get help for yourself by making an alert to StreetLink.

Operating in England and Wales, StreetLink is an online platform that connects people sleeping rough to local authorities and outreach teams to access the support they need. This includes anyone who is sleeping outside, preparing to bed down, or sleeping somewhere not designed for habitation, such as a car.

Making an alert is quick and easy and can be done in three simple steps: 

1. Locate: Pinpoint a specific location where you have seen the person sleeping rough using our map feature and include a written description of the location.
2. Describe: Provide details on the time the person was sleeping rough at the location and any further information about their appearance that can help identify them.
3. Submit: Once submitted, your alert is automatically sent to the local outreach team in the area. 

Visit StreetLink (thestreetlink.org.uk) to make an alert.

These teams then attempt to locate the individual, assess their needs, and offer appropriate support services with the aim of ending their homelessness. You can request to receive an update on your alert within 10 working days.

StreetLink itself does not provide direct accommodation or actively search for individuals sleeping rough. Instead, it acts as the link between members of the public and local outreach services to assist those in need of support. 

For more information, watch the video Do you want to help someone sleeping rough (youtube.com)

Call 999 if you or the person you are making an alert about are in immediate danger, need medical assistance, are under 18 or are with someone who is under 18.

#BeTheLink: What makes a good-quality alert?

When making an alert, it is important that you include clear and relevant information to increase the likelihood of outreach teams finding you or the person you are making the alert for. This includes a clear location description and a clear person description so that outreach teams know exactly where to look to find the person and can easily identify them. 

Watch the following videos for more information on what to include in your alert: 

• How to describe the location of someone sleeping rough? (youtube.com)
• How to describe someone sleeping rough? (youtube.com)

Severe weather

Extra support is available to rough sleepers or those at risk of sleeping rough in severe weather conditions. The council works with local organisations to ensure that anyone verified as sleeping rough is offered emergency support during cold weather periods. We have a severe weather protocol which describes how and when we provide this support. 

Last updated: 29/01/2025 12:15