Report yourself / Someone else rough sleeping
If you are rough sleeping, or come across someone who is, report it through Streetlink.
Streetlink is a national service, and once a report is made it is sent to the local outreach team, who will go out late at night or early in the morning to try and find that person bedded down and start working on a solution for them to come off the street.
Streetlink is the best way to report someone rough sleeping and get them support.
To report yourself as rough sleeping call 0300 500 0914, or go to the website – https://thestreetlink.org.uk/
Health and wellbeing drop-in days
For those experiencing homelessness or seeking asylum, our Health Link Service holds Health and Wellbeing days where you can receive:
- health checks and advice
- seasonal vaccinations
- access to other health services, such as GP, mental health support and oral hygiene advice.
- free haircuts, hot meals and clothing.
Click buttons below for information on our next Health and Wellbeing days:
Accessing services online
If you can access the internet, then you can access a huge amount of useful information created to help and support you. You’ll be able to find things out without waiting for services to open or indeed, find out the opening times of the services you need.
This downloadable leaflet gives you a basic guide to:
• How and where to access wi-fi
• Why have an email address
• What health information is available
• Why learn to make video calls
• How to stay safe online
Insecurely housed / Facing eviction
If you believe you will be street homeless within the next 56 days, due to an eviction or insecure sofa surfing, make a homelessness application with the local authority (you should also do this if you are rough sleeping).
They may be able to assist in helping you remain in your property, or give advice on alternative accommodation. They will also be able to check if your eviction is legal.
You can make a homelessness application on line, or contact housing options directly.
Local homeless support / Drop in centres
SPEAR – the commissioned outreach team for rough sleepers (sleeping on the street). Referrals come through the Streetlink pathway (see above). Please note that due to confidentiality, individual cases cannot be discussed without express written consent. If you want to get directly in contact with one of our team, please use the below email addresses:
Kingston: kingstonoutreach@spearlondon.org
Richmond: richmondoutreach@spearlondon.org
Wandsworth: wandsworthoutreach@spearlondon.org
Addiction Support
Your GP should be your first point of call for addiction support concerns, as well as physical issues. It is really important that you have a good relationship with them, as it can be difficult to discuss your mental health.
Your GP will be able to refer you to any other services that they think can support you with your addiction.
See below for more services:
Mental Health Support
Your GP should be your first point of call for emotional difficulties / mental health concerns, as well as physical issues. It is really important that you have a good relationship with them, as it can be difficult to discuss your mental health.
Your GP will be able to refer you to any other services that they think can support you with your emotional or mental health.
See below for more services:
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It is made up of many forms of controlling and coercive behaviour. This includes: Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Financial abuse, Coercive control, Emotional abuse, Digital / online abuse, Honor-based violence, Forced marriage, Female genital mutilation (FGM)
It is important to note that in regards to domestic violence and homelessness, the law was changed in 2021. A person now has a priority need if they are homeless as a result of experiencing domestic abuse. If you have experienced abuse, you are able to apply for support at any local authority housing team, regardless of any local connection you may or may not have.
Immigration Support
Citizen’s Advice is always a good place to start when you are trying to regularise your immigration status. There is lots of advice on their main website – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/ – or you can make an appointment to talk to someone locally.
See below for more options:
Where can I get help?
In case of emergency, or if you feel you can’t keep yourself safe, please go to Accident and Emergency, or call 999.
For non-emergency: Police – call 101, NHS – call 111.
Please note that SPEAR do not provide emergency or direct access accommodation. Our accommodation is for those who have been verified as rough sleeping by our street outreach teams, as part of their pathway off the street.
