The Council’s cold weather plan for rough sleepers kicks in when it is predicted that the temperature will fall below 0 degrees on 3 consecutive nights.
We contact all support agencies who work with rough sleepers to offer them accommodation over this period and encourage them to access service and support and not return to the streets after the three-day period has lapsed.
We put the plan into action on 11 January and it continues to be in operation.
Teignbridge estimate we have approx between 4 and 6 rough sleepers at any one time. We have recognised there is a lack of support services for rough sleepers and there is no supported housing for homeless individuals with complex needs. In order to address this, we are working with partners in the voluntary sector to provide accommodation and support for those who wish to come off the streets.
This work includes outreach work where support workers go out to places including Newton Abbot, Dawlish and Teignmouth and look for people sleeping rough and giving practical support to help them come off the streets.
This is an interim arrangement while we procure a new service in partnership with South Hams and West Devon to provide an outreach and support service to people sleeping rough in the area.
The aims of this new service are to assist rough sleepers in accessing accommodation and/or employment opportunities and to assist rough sleepers to engage in services such as health and drug and alcohol services and mental health services.
Rough Sleepers can come to our Housing Options service for a homelessness assessment. If they are deemed to be in priority need under the Housing Act they have a right to be provided with emergency accommodation and have their longer term housing options assessed.
Teignbridge is also part of the Devon and Cornwall ‘No Second Night Out initiative’ which aims to put an end to rough sleeping across the counties.
There is 24-hour telephone hotline as part of this initiative which people can now report a rough sleeper by phoning 0800 151 3441 or completing an online referral form by visiting http://tinyurl.com/
Once this is done, help is then offered in an attempt to prevent them returning for another night outside.
Once this is done, help is then offered in an attempt to prevent them returning for another night outside.
We would urge anyone who sees a rough sleeper to report it either directly to the Council or by using this outline so we can make contact with them and offer support and assistance.
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