Rough Sleeping FAQs
What is rough sleeping?
Rough sleeping refers to someone sleeping on the streets, in doorways, or other places not intended for habitation. This can include all open-air spaces such as:
- Parks
- Tents and makeshift encampments
- Bus shelters
- Beach
- All public transport
- Hospitals/A&E wards – both inside as well as in the grounds
- Fast food restaurants
- Libraries
- Police stations
- Derelict buildings with no running water or amenities, no lockable door, and a roof that doesn’t cover the whole building
What can I do if I see someone sleeping rough in Newham?
You can only report a rough sleeper via theStreetLink website as the phone line is for self-referrals. This national referral system connects rough sleepers with local support services.
How does the Council know who is sleeping rough?
We use a range of approaches to identify rough sleepers, with a focus on data accuracy. This includes street outreach teams (7 days a week), public reports and a Combined Homelessness and Information Network. CHAIN is a centralised database enabling outreach workers to follow an individual’s journey, location and the support put in place. The council also conducts bi-monthly street counts to gather a snapshot figure of those sleeping at known locations.
Is rough sleeping an issue in Newham?
Yes, as is the case across large parts of the UK. Government data shows that in September 2023, people sleeping rough and seeking help to leave the streets behind increased to the highest level since 2018 across the country.
When compared to the North East London (NEL) boroughs which are Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and City of London, Newham is ranked in the top half for having the highest number of people sleeping rough.
What is the council doing to prevent rough sleeping?
The council takes a proactive approach to prevent rough sleeping, with a focus on early intervention. Our Homeless Prevention Advice Service (HPAS) offers support and advice to those facing the threat of homelessness, ensuring the necessary steps are taken to prevent this situation. This could be by linking into Welcome Newham or one of our commissioning floating support services. Our dedicated outreach team targets known hot spots on a daily basis and offers advice and support get those rough sleeping into accommodation.
*Information is correct as of September 2024
For more information on how we assist rough sleepers, along with details of national and local partners, read our more detailed FAQs here (PDF).
