Housing and Homelessness

Today someone will become homeless, tonight, someone will sleep rough for the first time. It will be cold, uncomfortable, lonely and potentially life threatening. They may face abuse or violence.

We all can do something to help.

You can use the MECC approach to help someone that you are concerned about. Contacting a local support organisation or an outreach service, could potentially save someone from homelessness and will help them find a safe shelter quicker. 

For more information on homelessness and local support, please go to the Southend City Council website - www.southend.gov.uk/preventing-homelessness 

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

It can often be hard to know what to say to someone homeless. We may feel awkward, and in some cases end up not saying anything at all.

Reaching out to someone who we think may be at risk of homelessness or who is already living on the street can be so impactful, treat them how you’d like to be treated, it’s never nice to be ignored!

Its O.K to explain that you don’t have anything to give, most people just want to be talked to, it doesn’t matter what it’s about.

If you’re unsure what to say, just ask ‘are you alright?’ “do you need any help?” have you got a safe place to go to?

There are small amounts of aggressive beggars that will ask for money, generally these are the few people that harassing people in the streets and you shouldn’t try to engage with these people. 

Assist

Beyond talking, what can you to help?

Act

If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.

Whilst there are some amazing national services available, we recommend a local first approach.  A list of local services can be found at the foot of this text

Street Link is a national service which can be used by members of the public if they see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made using the hotline (0300 500 0914) or online at Street Link.

This service aims to connect rough sleepers with appropriate services, both statutory and voluntary. Local resources for rough sleepers vary greatly across the country. They can include day centres, contact and assessment teams, soup kitchens and soup runs. Details of such resources can often be obtained by contacting local authorities.

Street assessment teams give rough sleepers information about available health care, night shelters and hostels, and other resources for homeless people. Some hostels and night shelters will only take referrals from a contact and assessment team worker. Some outreach teams will work with people on a long-term basis.

Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness can be found at: www.homelessuk.org/

Local Support and Contact Details