Wiltshire Council advises on how to help rough sleepers this winter

What do you do when you see someone sleeping rough?

How can you help someone when you’re unsure how to do it?

As the numbers of rough sleepers have increased nationally and locally, the council wants people to know the best option to provide real support.

If people see someone on the streets, they can provide details to Streetlink, which connects rough sleepers with local services that can support them. Streetlink will provide the council with details so officers can talk to the rough sleeper, help them find a warm place to stay and offer ongoing support.

People are also encouraged to donate to local charities in Wiltshire, which directly help those in need. Wiltshire Council will be sharing messages and information on social media throughout December to raise awareness of rough sleeping and what people can do to help.

The council works with rough sleepers throughout the year to help them find a place to stay and support them in getting back on track. The work is carried out alongside charities, which offer practical support and longer-term aid.*

In October, the council supported 40 rough sleepers via early morning outreach – this is where officers go out in pairs to engage with rough sleepers, take hot coffees and see what support can be provided.

Officers then arrange a follow-up appointment to explore support and accommodation options. The approach aligns with the Wiltshire Council Business Plan to help residents live in warm and safe homes.

Currently, more than 25 people are being helped into short-term accommodation in Wiltshire. The council’s rough sleeper tenancy officers also continue to support more than 50 rough sleepers into long-term accommodation.

Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing “It’s really hard to see someone sleeping rough. You want to do something to help, and often it feels the easiest thing is to give money. We would encourage people instead to contact us via Streetlink as we will quickly act on the information sent to us. People can also donate to local homeless charities, where the money is used to provide a range of practical support and advice.

“Some individuals who sleep rough have suffered child or adulthood traumas and sometimes it can take time to build trust and rapport before a rough sleeper will accept accommodation. Our rough sleeper outreach team will focus on the individual and supporting them into having a warm, safe place to stay.”

Wiltshire Council secured a government £1.5m government rough sleepers’ initiative grant, spread over three years up to 2025. Wiltshire Council has also received an additional £162k winter top-up to its grant for this year. The grant helps fund accommodation, officers and programmes.