THE NUMBER of rough sleepers in Stratford district has dropped from six to four according to the annual count.
Stratford District Council (SDC) carried out the annual count in November to estimate the number of those sleeping on the district’s streets. This is down from six rough sleepers reported in 2019, and 10 reported in 2018. The number was at 17 the year before.
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, including the police, and charities P3 and CGL, to go through the names of rough sleepers 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.
SDC councillor Jo Barker said: “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. “
Local authorities annually submit the number of people sleeping rough in their area on a single ‘typical’ night to government. The figure is verified by national charity Homeless Link before being submitted.
Anyone concerned for someone sleeping rough can visit www.streetlink.org.uk. Those who would like to donate to support organisations can do so at meaningfulchange.org.uk/stratford.
Organisations in Stratford supporting those sleeping rough include:
-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 01789 332 540
-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
