WITH the number of rough sleepers increasing across the county, advice is being given on how to support those who are sleeping on the streets.  

Wiltshire Council works with rough sleepers throughout the year to help them find a place to stay and this work is carried out alongside charities.

A £1.5m government rough sleepers’ initiative grant has just been secured which is spread over three years and an additional £162k top-up to its grant for this year has been given which helps to fund accommodation, officers, and programmes.

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Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Phil Alford said: “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.”

Streetlink provides rough sleepers with local services that provide support and will connect a council officer to them so to help find a warm place for them to stay.

Councillor Phil Alford added: “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.”

Currently, more than 25 people are being helped into short-term accommodation in Wiltshire and the council’s rough sleeper tenancy officers are supporting more than 50 rough sleepers into long-term accommodation.

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In October, 40 rough sleepers were supported by the council via early morning outreach where officers engage with rough sleepers, take hot drinks, and ascertain what support is needed. Follow-up appointments to explore support and options for accommodation are then provided.

For more, go to streetlink.org.uk