Lifeline for rough sleepers across North Northants

07 December 2021

Extra support will be on offer for rough sleepers in the North Northants area thanks to the expansion of a dedicated team.

North Northamptonshire Council’s Rough Sleeping Team aims to successfully support people sleeping on the streets and help them into suitable accommodation – particularly with Winter fast approaching.

The team has already supported many rough sleepers to move on from their crisis situation and already works in partnership with other agencies to help access wider support services.

The work of the team has been reflected in comments from some who had benefitted from the teams’ intervention but have been kept anonymous to protect identity.

Without the help the team has given me I would not be where I am now…..my life is so different and can’t say thank you enough.Female, aged 40

With the support of the team I have sorted out my money and housing situation and I wouldn’t have known where to start.Female, aged 57

Accommodation alone is not the answer to ending rough sleeping. Full support is needed to reduce the number rough sleeping and the teams works closely with health, voluntary and community sector partners to identify and support rough sleepers who often have very complex needs.

The communication we have with the Rough Sleeper Team is essential for us to support our guests in the best way possible. We regularly have members of the Rough Sleeper Team attend the weekly food kitchen which is a really useful connection for everyone to help our guests get back on their feet.Hilary Rodgers, a coordinator of St Edward’s Food Kitchen in Kettering

The council is also encouraging the community to play a part in helping people off the streets and has set up a dedicated email and telephone number so services can be made aware of rough sleepers.

We really want to work with the community on this and we know there are people who really want to help us in making sure rough sleepers get the support they need.

The council is determined to do all we can to support those experiencing rough sleeping to a life away from the streets.Cllr Andy Mercer, the council’s executive member for housing and community

Creating cohesive communities is a priority for us – I’m delighted that this great work is taking place in the North Northants area.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

The council has secured additional money from government for this year to continue to fund existing initiatives but also to recruit additional team members.

This extra funding will increase both the support and accommodation provision for rough sleepers across the area.

How can you help?

If you do see anyone rough sleeping, then you can report this to the team by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01536 464 630. 

People are asked to provide as much detail as they can in terms of date, time and location, description of sleeping bag or tent which will help the team to locate them as quickly as possible.