Housing and Homelessness
Today someone will become homeless, tonight, someone will sleep rough for the first time. It will be cold, uncomfortable, lonely and potentially life threatening. They may face abuse or violence.
We all can do something to help.
You can use the MECC approach to help someone that you are concerned about. Contacting a local support organisation or an outreach service, could potentially save someone from homelessness and will help them find a safe shelter quicker.Ā
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
It can often be hard to know what to say to someone homeless. We may feel awkward, and in some cases end up not saying anything at all.
Reaching out to someone who we think may be at risk of homelessness or who is already living on the street can be so impactful, treat them how youād like to be treated, itās never nice to be ignored!
Its O.K to explain that you donāt have anything to give, most people just want to be talked to, it doesnāt matter what itās about.
If youāre unsure what to say, just ask āare you alright?ā ādo you need any help?ā have you got a safe place to go to?
There are small amounts of aggressive beggars that will ask for money, generally these are the few people that harassing people in the streets and you shouldnāt try to engage with these people.Ā
Assist
Beyond talking, what can you to help?
Act
If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.
Whilst there are some amazing national services available, we recommend a local first approach.Ā A list of local services can be found at the foot of this text
Street Link is a national service which can be used by members of the public if they see people sleeping rough. Referrals can be made using theĀ hotline (0300 500 0914) or online atĀ Street Link.
This service aims to connect rough sleepers with appropriate services, both statutory and voluntary. Local resources for rough sleepers vary greatly across the country. They can include day centres, contact and assessment teams, soup kitchens and soup runs. Details of such resources can often be obtained by contacting local authorities.
Street assessment teams give rough sleepers information about available health care, night shelters and hostels, and other resources for homeless people. Some hostels and night shelters will only take referrals from a contact and assessment team worker. Some outreach teams will work with people on a long-term basis.
Information on over 9,000 services - hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness can be found at: www.homelessuk.org/
Local Support and Contact Details
Bath and North East Somerset
Housing options and support directory
Find services and groups that can help with housing: https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/supporting-adults-live-independent-lives/housing-options-and-support-directory
Swindon Borough Council
Wiltshire Council
Housing and Homelessness
āMental Health Support Text Messaging Serviceā
If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.
If you live in Wiltshire and need somebody to talk to about your mental health.
Text WILTS to 85258 for free and confidential text message support that wonāt appear on your bill.
Trained volunteers are here to listen. We can help with anxiety and stress, depression or sadness, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic attacks, loneliness or isolation, abuse and bullying.
Housing Options
The Housing Options service is for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
We can provide advice and information on dealing with Notices, possession proceedings, rent arrears, mortgage arrears and other common problems.
We will work with you to try and prevent your homelessness and where necessary help you find somewhere else to live.
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Our telephone service isĀ openĀ from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, closed Wednesday, 9am to 2pm.Ā Ā 0300 456 0106
You can also email Housing Options atĀ homeless@wiltshire.gov.uk. Please tell us about your situation and leave a phone number toĀ contact you on.
For professionals who areĀ makingĀ a Duty to Refer referral, please use ourĀ Public body e-referral form.
Emergencies
If you haveĀ a HousingĀ emergency andĀ the office is closed, contactĀ the Emergency Duty ServiceĀ on 0300 456 0100
Other enquiries
Rough Sleeping
If you are rough sleeping callĀ yourĀ local Housing Options office, or email Housing Options atĀ Ā homeless@wiltshire.gov.ukĀ
To adviseĀ usĀ of a person rough sleeping,Ā email theĀ roughsleeperteam@wiltshire.gov.uk or useĀ www.streetlink.org.uk
Please include details such asĀ where and when the person wasĀ seenĀ and a brief description to help us find them.Ā We have a specialist team to supportĀ rough sleepers.
Social and affordable housing
If you are looking social or affordable housing, andĀ are not homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, go toĀ Homes4Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council tenants
Call 0300 456 0117 for advice on areas such as rent payments and arrears, repairs, anti-social behaviour, renting a garage, transfers andĀ buying your home. ForĀ more informationĀ go toĀ Council housing
Concerns about a child
If you have concerns about a child, call theĀ Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)Ā on 0300 456 0108
Concerns about a vulnerable adult
If you have concerns about a vulnerable adult,Ā callĀ theĀ Advice and Contact team on 0300 456 0111 or emailĀ adviceandcontact@wiltshire.gov.uk