Rough sleepers

Buckinghamshire Council, supported by funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, is working in partnership with a number of local services. This specialist partnership team allows funding to be delivered locally to rough sleepers who require support with:

• mental health issues
• drugs and alcohol
• housing support
• maintaining their homes

Since 2019 we have housed and assisted a large number of individuals as a part of this project. These people were either homeless or about to become homeless.

Our partnership team and the assistance they offer are as follows:

• Aylesbury Homeless Action Group (AHAG)
  AHAG offers support and help to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm. AHAG offer a weekly benefits surgery where clients can access specific advice and support with benefits and debts. This is an appointment-only service.
• Bucks Mind
  Bucks Mind offers both online and in-person counselling services, group meetings and peer led support to socialise and share experiences. It offers a Safe Haven in partnership with other local organisations
• Connection Support
  The Rough Sleeper Outreach Service will locate rough sleepers across Buckinghamshire and provide support for those sleeping rough. Outreach Support Workers are allocated once verified and will support clients to gain accommodation Tenancy support is also available for rough sleepers or someone with a history of rough sleeping once they gain accommodation.
• Oasis Partnership
  The Oasis Partnership provides social and psychological support services to improve people’s health and wellbeing. It delivers socially inclusive, open access support for the wider communities of Buckinghamshire for people of all ages. It offers a range of services to benefit many and diverse communities.
• One Recovery Bucks
  One Recovery Bucks provides a confidential, free and easy-to-access service to anyone living in Buckinghamshire impacted by their own or someone else’s use of alcohol and drugs. It supports people to change their lives for the better.
• Oxford Health
  Oxford Health provides multiple health, care and support services across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. It works in partnership to support our most vulnerable residents
• Thames Valley Police
  Thames Valley Police provides investigation and support for victims of crime. It ensures all our residents are safe and protected. Follow the link to report a crime or to receive advice and support.

We also work on a project solely focused on rough sleeping with:

• housing providers
• private landlords
• Town centre partnerships