How can I help a person who is sleeping rough
The English Weather can be very harsh on those sleeping on the streets. Without adequate shelter, it may be a tough night for some but you can help. So how can I help a person who is sleeping rough? Firstly, we have guide on what you can give a homeless person here.
If you are sleeping rough or you know of someone who is, you can contact StreetLink.
This is a service run by St Mungo’s and Homeless Link and it is funded by government grants as part of a commitment to help rough sleepers in England and Wales.
What to do:
- Call Street Link on 0300 500 0914 or click here for their website. You can also download the StreetLink app on smartphones. During busy periods, their phone lines will divert you to their website.
- When you get in contact, you will be asked to provide details of the person affected.
- Those details will then be sent to the local authority so that they can be connected to local services and support.
- Contact the YMCA.
To contact Shelter click here. Shelter can provide advice and guidance on issues relating to housing and homelessness. Tel: 0808 800 4444, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday-Sunday. Shelter Cymru: 0345 075 5005: 9.30am – 4pm, Monday to Friday.
If the person is sleeping rough in the City of London:
Contact the Rough Sleeper Projects Officer.
City of London, Guildhall, PO Box 270, London, EC2P 2EJ. Tel: 020 7332 3791 or email: homeless@cityoflondon.gov.uk
If the person is sleeping rough in East London:
There is a day centre called Providence Row. Providence Row works with more than a thousand homeless and vulnerably housed people a year in East London, offering an integrated service of crisis support, advice, recovery and learning and training programmes. Their aim is to ensure that people who are so often excluded from mainstream services gain the support and opportunities they need to create a safe, healthy and sustainable life away from the streets. They provide:
- A resource centre for people who are rough sleeping, with breakfast, showers and access to IT.
- Advice and support for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- Recovery and progression for people whose mental health and substance misuse issues are affecting their ability to find and stay in the accommodation.
- Trainee schemes to help people with complex needs to move into regular learning, volunteering or work.
If you or someone you know is at risk of becoming homeless:
Follow our guide here.
To contact Shelter click here. Shelter can provide advice and guidance on issues relating to housing and homelessness. Tel: 0808 800 4444, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday-Sunday. Shelter Cymru: 0345 075 5005: 9.30am – 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Find further guides here
