If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough on the streets, the following local organisations can offer advice and support:
Somerset Outreach Team
You can report a rough sleeper to the Outreach Team via Streetlink.
Their street outreach teams will attempt to verify the individual as soon as possible, this is usually within 48 hours of receiving the notification. Outreach is conducted late at night or in the early hours of the morning to maximise the chances of locating people believed to be rough sleeping.
The outreach teams are highly skilled and have many years of experience in positively engaging and supporting customers with complex needs. They are able to undertake thorough needs assessments to identify any support needs. All support offered is bespoke to the individual.
For this reason, you may not see an immediate change in the person’s circumstances. It can take many interactions to build trust and be able to complete our assessments.
Please also see Somerset Council’s Housing Support page for details about Somerset’s emergency accommodation, especially in the colder weather snaps. You can also call Somerset Council on 0300 123 2224. If calling after 5pm, on a weekend or on a bank holiday, call the out of hours service on 0300 123 2327.
StreetLink
StreetLink exists to help end rough sleeping by enabling members of the public to connect people sleeping rough with the local services that can support them.
The street outreach services that StreetLink connects people to are for adults only. If you believe that the person you are concerned about is under 18, please call 999.
StreetLink rough sleepers emergency number: 0300 500 0914
NHS drop-in clinic
A new weekly NHS drop-in clinic for homeless and rough sleepers is starting Thursday, 12th December 2024, at 1A Palmer Street, from 10.30am-12.30pm.
They can offer basic health checks, wound care, blood tests, advice and support with medical concerns, appointments and more.
Please note there is no session Boxing Day 2024. Sessions resume on 2nd January.
Fair Frome
Somerset Council’s Housing Coach runs a homeless housing drop-in session for people over 25 on the first Friday of the month from 11:30am to 1pm at Fair Frome.
Shelter
Shelter offer one-to-one advice, support services and personalised help with housing issues and homelessness.
Their free emergency helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm, to answer calls from anyone struggling with a housing issue or homelessness: 0808 115 6641
Other services which can help people in need of support are:
Housing Options Team
People who are or may become homeless can receive in-depth homeless prevention advice with an emergency appointment to come back later the same day.
The best way to access the Housing Options team is to visit the Council Access Point in Frome Library 9.30am – 1pm, 2pm – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. You can also contact the Housing Options Team on 0300 303 8588.
Mendip (Frome) Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Citizen’s Advice give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are and whatever their circumstances. Access free, confidential advice at Frome Town Hall (Mondays 10am – 1pm), online & over the phone.
0808 2787842
www.citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk
The Bridge Café – Selwood Road Drop-in café and support
Wednesday – Friday, 11am – 1:30pm
The Good Heart Café
Offer free hot meals and cups of tea to rough sleepers or anyone else in need. It is open Tuesday – Friday, 11:30am – 3:30pm, and Saturdays 10am – 3:30pm. This service is funded by the local community through a pay-it-forward scheme. The Good Heart Café is also open every Monday from 12th January to 31st March 2025, 11:30am – 2:30pm for their £1 Mondays winter scheme, where you can have a warming hot meal in a warm, welcoming space (£1 adults, children go free).
Find out more about what Somerset Council are doing to end rough sleeping: www.somerset.gov.uk/housing-support/
