Let's work together to support rough sleepers

Released: Friday, 07 December 2018

Residents, businesses and organisations are being urged to work together to support rough sleepers and the homeless in Worthing this winter.

With levels across the UK rising in recent years, Worthing Borough Council is calling for the community to unite so that help, support and shelter is offered to those in need.

A range of well-used services exist in the town with the Council working with charities, the police, businesses and other agencies to support the homeless.

Outreach staff employed by the Council will continue their regular patrols around the town to connect those on the streets to services and support. Turning Tides also offers an open access drop-in service once a week and supportive activities are offered at a dedicated day centre.

Worthing Borough Council is also working with partners to tackle the anti-social behaviour which can result from a small number of the wider street community. This includes substance and alcohol use, drug dealing and public urination.

The Council is aware of the current encampment issues around some businesses in the town centre and working with partners to tackle this. These issues are complex and therefore need a variety of measures.

Businesses and residents are also encouraged to play their part. This includes:

• connecting rough sleepers to local support services via the Streetlink app
• buying those on the street food and hot drinks rather than gifting money
• and reporting any instances of antisocial behaviour to the police

Councillor Heather Mercer, Worthing Borough Council's Executive Member for Customer Services, said:

“Like every town across the country, Worthing has seen an increase in homelessness and rough sleeping in recent years. Working with partners we have worked hard to address this which means a range of services are offered to what is a relatively small number of people in need.”

“We appreciate that a small minority of rough sleepers are currently very visible in prominent locations, leading to concerns from those living, working and visiting Worthing. However it is important to note the majority of those sleeping rough in our town do not exhibit these behaviours. We remain committed to encouraging everyone in need to use the support and services on offer.”

Councillor Val Turner, Worthing's Borough Council's Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“Our Outreach workers are out daily, trying to connect rough sleepers to services and support. But the public can also help us by letting us know of new rough sleepers via Streetlink so that they reach the right officers.

“We also work with a range of excellent charities across the borough so I urge anyone wishing to donate money to give direct to organisations rather than individuals.”

(PR18-223)

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