Rough Sleeping

In 2018 it was estimated that 46 people were sleeping rough in Nottingham. When combined with the number of people at living in emergency rough sleeper accommodation, the total is 86 people.

Getting people off the streets and into warm homes is a complex and delicate issue. Many rough sleepers are experiencing a series of challenges, including mental and physical ill-health, alcohol and drug addiction, and a history of offending. There is no single solution to the problem of rough sleeping, which is why we aim to congregate local rough sleeping charities in a bid to promote a diverse range of help and support services.

What help is offered to rough sleepers?

Funded by the council, Framework’s Street Outreach Team offer support to rough sleepers in Nottingham by helping them to:

• Find safe and secure accommodation
• Find appropriate treatment for underlying drug, alcohol and mental health problems
• Secure access to medical help
• Re-engage with estranged family members
• Return to their home region
• Claim whatever benefits they may be entitled to

In addition:

• The council’s one hundred Community Protection Officers identify rough sleepers throughout Nottingham and help those at risk to access support and accommodation.
• Local voluntary, community and faith-based organisations, such as the Nottingham Winter Shelter, help rough sleep access services such as healthcare, welfare, rights advice and rehousing pathways.
• On Friday and Saturday nights, Street Pastors from 24 different city churches assist in helping to find accommodation and support options for rough sleepers.

Winter is a critical period for helping rough sleepers. When the temperature drops below 0 degrees Celsius, emergency measures are imposed to get all rough sleepers into temporary shelters. Thanks to the Red Cross and Fire Service, emergency shelters with toilet facilities, seating and hot drinks are available on London Road and Carlton Road.

What to do

If you see a rough sleeper, please contact Framework with a location and a brief description of the situation. This will help us to find the person and offer them support.

• Text SOT and a message to 80800
• Call 0800 066 5356 to speak to or leave a message for the team, it’s FREE from all phones and open 24/7.
• Go to www.streetlink.org.uk to tell us online.