Help for rough sleepers throughout Winter 2022 in Southport and Sefton

Sefton Council is highlighting details of where anyone who finds themselves sleeping rough or knows someone who is, can find help and support this winter.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “This Council has a long-standing commitment to helping people suffering from homelessness and supporting those rough sleepers who may find themselves in a vulnerable position, without a safe and warm place to call home.

“I am very proud of the work our teams do to help combat rough sleeping.

“Nobody wants to find themselves bedding down for the night on a cold pavement or stairwell and we are fully aware that with each new day, people may find themselves in need of support through absolutely no fault of their own.”

Unsafe
Cllr Hardy urged anyone with nowhere to stay or who feels unsafe about returning to their home, or who is facing homelessness to contact the Housing Options Team by emailing [email protected] calling them on 0151 934 3541 or visiting www.sefton.gov.uk/homeless. The team will assess their case and provide housing options.

People can also find out about local organisations providing support by visiting www.seftondirectory.com and searching ‘homeless’.

Committed
Cllr Hardy added: “Through our recently commissioned Integrated Homeless Service and our Housing Options team, the Council is committed to helping people facing homelessness and supporting vulnerable people who may find themselves sleeping rough.

“I would urge any members of the public who suspect people are having to sleep rough in Sefton, by calling the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team via Light for Life on 01704 501256 or 07918 746042 outside normal office hours and weekends.’’

People can also email the Light for Life team at [email protected].

Veterans in Sefton is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that helps veterans who are homeless or living in unsuitable housing. Based at The Brunswick Youth and Community Centre in Bootle, Veterans in Sefton can be contacted on 0151 933 0800 or 07591 825204 out-of-hours.

Veterans in Sefton (ViS) has also been commissioned to provide support to people who are currently serving or who have served in the Armed Forces. This covers regulars and reservists, their families and their dependents, who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

ViS is based at The Brunswick Youth and Community Centre in Bootle. For any further help and information from ViS people can call 0151 933 0800 or 07591825204 out-of-hours assistance.

StreetLink

If you are concerned about someone over the age of 18 that you have seen sleeping rough, you can use the StreetLink website or App to send an alert. The details you provide are sent to the local authority or outreach service for the area in which you have seen the person, to help them find the individual and connect them to support.

www.streetlink.org.uk

It is important to note that if you think the person you are concerned about is under 18 please do not contact StreetLink but instead call the police.

If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.