Can You Help StreetLink to Support Rough Sleepers?

---

Local organisation has already helped over 4,000 people

Residents are being urged to help rough sleepers to avoid an arctic winter on the streets by contacting the council through StreetLink, an organisation based in Shepherd's Bush.

StreetLink now has an app along with its telephone line and website which together have already helped over 4,000 rough sleepers to get off the capital’s streets by connecting them to the advice and services they need.

On a visit to the StreetLink call centre service in Market Lane off Goldhawk Road, Kris Hopkins, Minister for Housing at Communities and Local Government, said: " I am determined that every effort is made to tackle rough sleeping and get more support to vulnerable people.

" Part of the reason StreetLink has been so successful is because the app and phone line makes it easy to help a person sleeping rough, not with a cash hand-out but with the valuable alternative of practical support."

Many rough sleepers have drink, drug or mental health issues but a proactive early intervention approach means Hammersmith & Fulham has one of the best track records on reducing rough sleeping in the capital.

Under the No Second Night Out initiative councils refer rough sleepers to a 24 hour assessment hub which assesses their needs and provides them with the support they need to get off the streets. Latest figures from Autumn 2013 show that 81% of people did not spend a second night rough-sleeping in H&F, compared to 74% across the rest of London.

To find out more about Street Link, or to report concerns about a rough sleeper, visit www.streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 0914 or Tweet @Tell_StreetLink 

 

December 20, 2013

 

March 18, 2013