SIX people are sleeping rough on the streets of Warwick district according to latest survey.
The annual estimate was confirmed following a spotlight street count which took place in mid-November combined with information received from Warwick District Council (WDC) and support agencies including P3, Warwickshire Police, Change Grow Live (CGL), Helping Hands, Salvation Army, LWS Night Shelter and the NHS.
It compares to four rough sleepers recorded 12 months ago and although there has been a rise, cases are significantly lower than the 21 reported in 2019.
WDC health and well-being spokesman Coun Jan Matecki said: “Although this is six too many, I am pleased that we have been making good progress in our efforts to reduce the number of people living on the streets of Leamington and Warwick over the past two years. “This reflects the positive work that has been carried out by a range of agencies including the council’s rough sleeping team, the NHS, Warwickshire Police, voluntary and community sector groups and many others.
“Through partnership working, we have been successful in reducing these numbers, but the hard work is not complete as many of those recovering from life on the streets will need significant support to turn their lives around.
“The council’s efforts looking forward, will focus on further preventative measures to reduce all forms of homelessness with the aim of eradicating rough sleeping completely.”
All local authorities must 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 November 3.
The figure is then independently verified by Homeless Link before being submitted to the government.
Residents concerned about a person they believe to be rough sleeping can report it via the Street Link website www.streetlink.org.uk/
And residents who wish to donate in order to help those on the street can do so via ‘Meaningful Change’ at meaningfulchange.org.uk/leamingtonspa/
There are several organisations that help and support people 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 Street, Leamington – 01926 353513
LWS – shelter and support for the homeless/vulnerable – St Johns Church Hall, Tachbrook Street, Leamington – 07590 053548
Salvation Army Way Ahead Project – 1a Chapel Street, Leamington – 01926 883613
Helping Hands – support vulnerable people/families, men and women’s group and soup kitchen. 9a Althorpe Street, Leamington – 01926 732118
