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 2020 has been confirmed as 4, following the annual count that took place in mid-November. This is down 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 and CGL, 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.

Cllr Jo Barker, People Portfolio says: "This has been a year without precedent and the Council and its partners have been working hard to support those who are homeless. There has been a huge commitment from all agencies working together, and as a result, the District Council is pleased to report the lowest number of rough sleepers in its area since 2010. The drop in numbers reflects the positive work that has been done.

"Year on year, we are successfully reducing the numbers on our streets and we are excited about the prospect of the Fred Winter Centre opening in 2021. However, there is still much to do and 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 11 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 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: text NEED ST BASILS to 62277 or call 02476 889 571
• CGL: 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