Big drop in number of rough sleepers in Mansfield

The annual street count, which took place in October, found seven rough sleepers in the district – down from 22 in 2019.

This success is the result of the council helping to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place and working with partner organisations to provide accommodation and specialist support for those living on the streets.

Those at risk of becoming homeless are urged to contact the council at the earliest opportunity for help and advice.

Support is available to help with rent or mortgage arrears and to find alternative accommodation.

Eight of Mansfield’s most entrenched rough sleepers have recently secured their own tenancies as part of the council’s innovative First Steps project.

Financed by £310,628 from the Government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative, the council works in partnership with Action Housing and Change Grow Live (CGL) to provide accommodation alongside intensive support for complex issues such as mental health and substance misuse.

A further 12 bed spaces will become available in the next two months.

To reduce the spread of Covid-19, the council is working with the YMCA to provide self-contained accommodation for rough sleepers throughout the winter in place of a shelter.

Bed spaces will be available in the YMCA’s supported accommodation and in the council’s own temporary accommodation.

Framework’s street outreach team and the council’s housing solutions team will ensure all known rough sleepers and anyone who presents as homeless in the coming weeks are aware of the referral process for a bed over the winter and in the event of severe weather.

Coun Marion Bradshaw, portfolio holder for safer communities, housing and wellbeing said: "I’d strongly urge anyone who is experiencing difficulties to get in touch as soon as they can so we can work with them.”

Click here for support or call 01623 463463.

If you see anyone sleeping rough in the district, contact Framework on 0800 0665356 or via Streetlink, or visit Mansfield Street Support.