Outreach

Our Rough Sleeper Outreach

Our Rough Sleeper Outreach Support Service provides compassionate, person-centred support to people who are sleeping rough or are at immediate risk of rough sleeping across North Somerset.

Our outreach team works proactively to locate and engage with people sleeping outside, building trusting relationships and helping individuals access the support they need to move away from homelessness. We recognise that every person’s journey is different and work at a pace that is right for them, offering practical support while promoting dignity, respect and choice.

How We Can Help

Our outreach workers can provide support to people who are rough sleeping with:

• Verification of rough sleeping.
• Housing advice and homelessness applications.
• Referrals to supported housing and accommodation providers.
• Welfare benefits and financial support.
• Registration with GP surgeries and access to healthcare.
• Signposting to: mental health and wellbeing support, drug and alcohol services and harm reduction.
• Obtaining identification and important documents.
• Support to reconnect with family or services in another area where appropriate.
• Referrals to specialist services including domestic abuse, veterans’ support, safeguarding and social care.

Building Long-Term Solutions

Our aim is not simply to respond to immediate need but to support people towards long-term stability. We work alongside local authorities, healthcare providers, charities and community organisations to ensure individuals receive coordinated support tailored to their circumstances.

Where someone is ready, we will help them develop a personalised support plan focused on securing accommodation, improving health and wellbeing, increasing independence and preventing a return to rough sleeping.

Partnership Working

We work closely with a wide range of local agencies to ensure people receive the right support at the right time. By sharing information appropriately and working collaboratively, we can reduce barriers to accessing services and improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

Referrals

If you are concerned about someone who is sleeping rough, you can make a referral through StreetLink, contact our outreach team directly during office hours, or speak to another local support agency who can make a referral on your behalf.

If the person is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, please contact the emergency services by calling 999.

Service Hours

The Rough Sleeper Outreach Support Service operates:

Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm

During periods of severe weather or other emergency situations, additional outreach sessions may be provided to ensure those most at risk receive timely support.

Who Can Access the Service?

The service is available to adults aged 18 and over who are sleeping rough or are at immediate risk of rough sleeping within North Somerset.

If you are unsure whether someone meets this definition, please get in touch. We are happy to provide advice and signpost individuals to the most appropriate service.

Our Approach

We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Our outreach service is built on the principles of:

• Compassion and respect.
• Trauma-informed practice.
• Person-centred support.
• Partnership working.
• Empowerment and choice.
• Prevention and early intervention.

By working together with individuals and partner agencies, we aim to reduce rough sleeping, improve wellbeing and help people achieve sustainable, long-term housing solutions.

Contact Us

Here’s your outreach support block. It’s a self-contained snippet with a short intro and three clickable contacts:

• Visit StreetLink for more information  
• Email Us outreach@somewheretogowsm.org.uk
• Call us directly 01934 311534