Stratford Link - update

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Press Release

Published on 25 June 2019
Archived on 25 July 2019


Stratford Link Project's new temporary home at the United Reformed Church (URC) is up and running.  

The first session on 11 June saw 9 service users take advantage of the service, and by the fourth session on 20 June, this had risen to 18 service users.

The sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week from 12.30pm until 2.30pm at the United Reformed Church on Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, providing help, advice and support to rough sleepers, former rough sleepers, and vulnerable individuals who require assistance from a range of organisations.  

Food and drink is available at the drop in sessions, which provide an opportunity for social interaction, along with access to advice and support from a number of agencies.

Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "The reopening of the Link is a crucial service, it forms only one part of our toolkit to support those who sleep rough.  These are vulnerable people and although the Link looks a little different, it is very much the same multi-agency service provision. 

"The review of the Link Project has enabled the District Council to look again at the demands and needs of this type of drop-in service and put suitable policies and procedures in place.  By pooling resources and working with partners and volunteers we are able to ensure there is effective support in place for vulnerable people to enable them to have control over their lives, be safe and protected from harm.

"Unfortunately the facilities at the URC are only available to us until the end of July and we are currently looking at other options, before returning to the URC after the school holidays in September."

Preventing homelessness is a top priority for the District Council.  In February the District Council secured up to £24,000 in funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to support initiatives designed to help reduce rough sleeping in the district.  The additional funds are being used to deliver a range of bespoke interventions for entrenched rough sleepers.


Support organisations include:

P3 Charity: housing-related floating support service to over 25s in Warwickshire; street outreach service for rough sleepers and sofa surfers in Warwickshire: 0808 164 6220

St Basils: housing-related floating support to those aged 16 to 25 in Warwickshire: text NEED ST BASILS to 62277 or call 01789 332 540

CGL (Change, Grow, Live): alcohol and drug treatment centre: 16 Court St, Leamington Spa, CV31 2BB Tel: 01926 353513

Citizens Advice Bureau: 25 Meer Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Tel: 01789 200136

JobCentrePlus: Martin Raff House, Alcester Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DA. Tel: 0345 604 3719


The District Council also operates an enhanced Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) - offering rough sleepers overnight shelter and accommodation during extreme weathers conditions.


Anyone who is homeless and needs assistance in relation to help, advice and support can contact:

  • The District Council's Housing Advice Team on 01789 260861
  • P3 on 01789 336279
  • Or in person at the District Council Offices, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 25/06/2019