News Annual rough sleeper street count

As part of the Maidstone Borough Council annual rough sleeper street count last week three people were found to be sleeping rough across the district of Maidstone

The street count is a statutory requirement and was verified by an Officer from Homeless Link.

John Littlemore, Head of Housing at Maidstone Borough Council said:

“Our Outreach team have offered support to accommodate those individuals found”.

“We developed the Street Outreach Team to help rough sleepers rebuild their lives and to reduce the number of people living on our streets.”

“Individuals quite often have complex issues and need a variety of services to help them lead healthier, happier lives. We support them to access benefits or employment, GP’s and healthcare, treatment and support for substance misuse and access to mental health services. We also provide them with basic life skills, such as budgeting, cooking and other skills to prepare them to live independently.”

“Within the last 12 months, the outreach team have reduced rough sleeping by over 90%. The team continues to support many individuals with complex needs who now live in their own accommodation. This approach has seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour and other associated issues and been recognised by partner agencies, including the police.”

“If anyone finds a rough sleeper please let us know by emailing the Outreach Team at: outreach@maidstone.gov.uk. Or using the national website: www.streetlink.org.uk who will pass the details the details on to the local team. The team will go and find the rough sleeper and offer support.”

During a one-night count of those sleeping rough in September 2018, 48 people were sleeping on the streets.

Photo above shows the Maidstone Street Outreach Team

---