Rough sleepers

Many people begging are suffering with poor mental health and substance misuse (either alcohol or drugs).

There is overwhelming evidence that people beg so they can buy drugs or alcohol to support their addiction.

Dependency and addiction are complex health disorders with social causes and consequences. For a lot of people, drug and alcohol consumption is a major cause of ill health or premature mortality.

Links have been evidenced with:

• deprivation
• family breakdown
• offending
• exploitation
• neglect

The overall harm caused by problematic drug and alcohol misuse impacts individuals, families, and communities.

While people do this, they do not engage fully with the services that are available to help them make a positive change to their lives.

Living on the streets can lead to a severe deterioration in a person’s health and well-being – and even death. The life expectancy of a rough sleeper is significantly reduced; between 42 and 47, depending on gender.

We have a joint approach to supporting homeless people. This is called the Rough Sleeper Initiative Project. We work with organisations including:

• Connection Support
• NHS
• One Recovery Bucks
• Citizens Advice

Although we aim to find suitable housing arrangements for people sleeping rough, we also try to support them with other related issues, and support them with unemployment, substance misuse, debt and physical and mental health conditions.

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, take note of:

• their name
• a brief description of their appearance
• the date and location that you saw them

With the person's consent, you can then pass their details onto outreach workers who will try to contact them and provide support.

Organisations that can assist include:

tel: 01494 459 871

email:[email protected]

Make a report and this will be sent to us or the outreach service

visit: StreetLink