Help for those sleeping rough
If you are sleeping rough or are concerned about someone sleeping rough, please contact one of the following:
- Housing options duty officer (day time only): 01748 901150
- Ryecare (RDC out of hours service): 01653 697737
- Streetlink: send an alert to StreetLink via the StreetLink app or StreetLink website
Sleeping rough at any time can be difficult but particularly during severe weather.
To prevent deaths on the streets, homelessness services operate a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). This means that the usual rules that determine access to housing do not apply and services are available to everyone. This includes all those who may usually be excluded from services, such as people who are not able to access public funds such as being unable to claim most benefits, people who may have previously been banned from accessing services, and those with no local connection.
The council work closely with outreach teams, day centres and other agencies supporting people who are homeless, to identify and target people known to be sleeping rough.