Charities that help the homeless need your support

If people see someone on the streets they can contact Streetlink as it connects rough sleepers with local services that can support them. People can also donate to a number of local charities which will directly help those in need.

Wiltshire Council works with rough sleepers throughout the year to help them find a place to stay and support to get back on track. The work is carried out alongside a number of charities which offer practical support as well as longer term aid.

Cllr Phil Alford, the council's Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We have a range of support available including a dedicated rough sleeper team who work with rough sleepers both on and off the streets. The team work with people throughout the year to help provide a warm place to stay and support to get back on track.

"Our officers ensure they have access to medical treatment including the vaccination programmes for both Covid-19 and flu. We do this alongside a number of charities which offer practical support as well as longer term aid.

“While we are not able to go into individual circumstances, we have a clear process in place to support those sleeping rough.

"If people see someone on the streets they can contact Streetlink, as it connects rough sleepers with local services that can support them.”

Rough sleeping and homelessness are two very different things. A person who is homeless and who may or may not have children will be in suitable affordable temporary accommodation waiting for a permanent home, whereas rough sleepers are physically sleeping outside.

Cllr Alford said: "We work with around eight to 10 rough sleepers at any one time, either supporting them or following up reports of a new rough sleeper during morning outreach sessions.

"We currently have 83 homeless households in temporary accommodation. All are in accommodation that meets their needs.

"We have support systems in place to help those sleeping rough in Wiltshire and to provide them with a warm place to stay, this will continue over Christmas as it is a year round service, "Although we regularly review the weather we are currently running ‘protect +’ which means any verified rough sleeper would be offered accommodation even if the Severe Weather Protocol hasn’t been triggered, so our work to provide accommodation for rough sleepers is ongoing," Cllr Alford said.

The council doesn't have any night shelters, as these tend to be situated mainly in large conurbation areas where there is significant demand, and are not best suited to the needs of the large Wiltshire area.

However, it does have rough sleeper accommodation provision across Wiltshire, including two homes in Seymour Road, Trowbridge, where there is currently a total of 10 occupants.

Wiltshire Council works closely with a number of local charities who also seek funding to help provide the support.

These include:

• Doorway in Chippenham provides support including hot meals, showers, laundry, internet and referrals to physical and mental health services or support with benefits and housing issues.

• Opendoors in Devizes is another charity providing practical support so people can have a shower, access the kitchen, have space for food and clothing and computer work spaces.

• Breakthrough in Trowbridge provides ‘first-line’ support in the running of the drop-In centre. It helps those in need to access the services provided by local authorities and support organisations.

• Salisbury Drop-In Centre - Alabare based in Salisbury provides support and aims to assist people to overcome barriers and help them to take steps to improve their quality of life. The objective is to provide key support at the earliest opportunity in order to reduce further negative personal impact and potential homelessness. It provides laundry facilities, support in budgeting and debt management and maximising income. It helps to direct them to support services and helps with healthy eating cookery workshops.