Helping rough sleepers

News - 13 December 2023

Rough sleeping is often the most visible sign of homelessness. It is the job of local services to help rough sleepers.
homelessness

Who do I contact if I see someone rough sleeping?

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in Kingston, you can inform StreetLink by telephoning 0300 500 0914. 

StreetLink can help to connect a person to the local outreach service and other services and support available to them.

StreetLink and No Second Night Out

Working alongside StreetLink, the No Second Night Out (NSNO) project is currently running throughout London, including the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Committed to ensuring that no individual arriving on the streets will sleep out for a second night, NSNO focuses on helping those who find themselves rough sleeping on the streets for the first time.

Help for rough sleepers in severe weather

Kingston Council has a non-statutory severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to prevent the death of people sleeping rough in times of severe weather, mainly during the winter. During the winter, in line with guidance issued by the Mayor of London, the SWEP will be activated on the first night when the temperature is forecast to be zero or below in any London Borough area and the Greater London Authority (GLA) signifies that the trigger is met.

There is also a rough sleeper outreach service for Kingston run by SPEAR, a local homelessness charity, who will refer rough sleepers to the council. However, during this period, anyone can refer a rough sleeper to the council, including rough sleepers themselves.

Anyone who is referred to the council under SWEP will be assessed for any short or longer-term housing support that they may need or be able to access across a number of partner agencies. They will also be provided with advice and information relevant to their individual circumstances.

If SWEP is activated during a weekend or public holiday RBK's Out of Hours Service can be contacted on 020 8547 5800 so that an assessment can be carried out to determine if the caller meets the criteria to be provided with emergency accommodation on behalf of the Housing Solutions Service if required.

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