Homelessness

Anyone with access to public funds who is sleeping rough and asks for our help, will be given a dedicated officer, a personal housing plan and an offer of safe and suitable emergency accommodation.

Swindon has a low number of verified rough sleepers and they are all known to the support services. We aid them to find accommodation and offer help with support needs which often prevents them from accepting or sustaining accommodation.

Our priority is to ensure that no-one is rough sleeping and we have put the following solutions in place to support rough sleepers:

• A rapid response service for people that find themselves living on the streets
• An assertive outreach service for those with complex needs
• A range of accommodation and support services tailored to individual needs
• Assurance that, once housed, nobody should return to the streets
• A person centred and trauma informed approach with a multi skilled team to support them navigate the pathway
• A specialist Rough Sleeper Housing Options officer to complete assessments

Common misconceptions about rough sleeping 

• Not everyone who presents as a rough sleeper is actually rough sleeping
• They may not have access to public funds, have no links to this area or have refused re-connection services
• You can claim benefits without an address at Job Centre plus
• They may have friends in the same situation that they do not want to leave
• Some supported accommodation places do not permit the use of drugs or alcohol
• The type of accommodation we can offer isn’t always what is wanted
• Persons who are begging are not necessarily rough sleeping
• Rough sleepers may have mental health needs which prevent them from engaging with help when offered
• Some people who are found rough sleeping are in fact housed, but feel their identity is linked to being street homeless and they find the transition a challenge
• Rough sleepers’ needs may be met by volunteer groups who distribute provisions to them

I am rough sleeping what can I do?

• You can contact us for assistance by e-mail at: hoptions@swindon.gov.uk  or by telephone on: 01793 445503, 24 hours a day
• If you do not have a phone, you can visit the Haven Day Centre on Queens Drive, Swindon. SN3 1AR, Monday to Friday, so they can support you to make contact with the team
• If you do not have access to a phone or email, you can also visit Central Library, Regent Circus, Swindon, SN1 1QG between 12.30pm and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

How do I let you know if someone is rough sleeping?

• You can inform us by visiting the Streetlink website or by emailing us at: hoptions@swindon.gov.uk. Alternatively, telephone: 01793 445503
• You can contact The Haven Day Centre from Monday to Friday on 01793 613166, or drop in to the centre on Queens Drive, Swindon SN3 1AR.

What happens in severe weather?

• When we are told that a period of severe weather is due that may affect persons at risk in Swindon, we try and find emergency accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping. This is usually when the temperature drops below freezing for three consecutive nights.
• If we implement The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), we let all our partner agencies know and post it on social media

The rough sleeper reduction strategy 

The Swindon Rough Sleeper Reduction Strategy 2024 to 2027, sets out a number of commitments to ensure effective ways of working. It seeks to improve the level of co-ordination and joint delivery of services and to support the creation of innovative solutions.

While there are many examples of fantastic work that has already been done, Swindon acknowledges the need to do more. An action plan is being put together to address each priority commitment in the strategy.

If you would like further information, contact Nick Kemmett, Housing Strategy and Development Manager at: nkemmett@swindon.gov.uk