Annual rough sleeper count in Stratford-on-Avon District

The annual estimate of the number of people sleeping rough across Stratford-on-Avon District for 2021 has been confirmed as 3, following the annual count that took place in mid-November.

This is down from last year's 4 rough sleepers, and a further reduction from 6 rough sleepers reported in 2019, and 10 reported in 2018. 17 were reported in 2017.

This year, the Council's figure included an estimate based on intelligence, along with a spotlight street count. To agree the figure, the Council met with a variety of support agencies, which included P3, the police, CGL, Spring, the NHS, and the Street Pastors to go through the names of all known rough sleepers who have been verified as being outside on the typical night chosen. The spotlight count was carried out in the early hours by P3's street outreach team and written reports were also received from St Basil's and Together.

Cllr Jo Barker, Homes, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio says: "I am really pleased to see a continued reduction in the number of people found on the streets of Stratford. This reflects the positive work that has been carried out by all agencies working together.

"Through partnership working, we have been successful in reducing the numbers on our streets for several years now, and we are very much looking forward to the Fred Winter Centre opening in 2022. The Council will continue to work with its partners in order to meet government's commitment to eradicate rough sleeping completely."

All local authorities have to submit an annual figure to central government indicating the numbers of people sleeping rough in their area on a single 'typical' night, which this year was Wednesday 17 November. The figure is then independently verified by Homeless Link before being submitted to the government.

If local residents are concerned about someone they believe to be rough sleeping, they can report this via the Street Link website: www.streetlink.org.uk/

Residents who wish to donate in order to help those on the street can do so via 'Meaningful Change': meaningfulchange.org.uk/stratford/

There are several organisations in Stratford-upon-Avon and across the District that can help and support those sleeping rough.

P3 Charity: housing-related floating support service to over 25s in Warwickshire: 0808 164 6220

St Basils: housing-related floating support to those aged 16 to 25 in Warwickshire: 01789 332 540

CGL: alcohol and drug treatment centre: 16 Court St, Leamington Spa, CV31 2BB Tel: 01926 353513

Spring Housing: providing accommodation and support services to individuals who are at risk of homelessness: 0121 663 1443.
Spring will also be managing the Fred Winter Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon - a community hub supporting local people with a focus on providing housing plus a range of services which address homelessness and hardship - https://fredwintercentre.org.uk/

Citizens Advice Bureau: 25 Meer Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Tel: 0300 330 1183

JobCentrePlus: Martin Raff House, Alcester Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DA. Tel: 0800 169 0190