Shining Daylight on women’s rough sleeping

Women make up 20% of central London’s rough sleepers and we know at The Connection how incredibly unsafe this is. Starting last summer, we started to develop our offer for women sleeping rough because we were so concerned about the situation.

London rough sleeping data shows 166 women who have been seen by street outreach teams at least 10 times. There are over 200 women on the target priority list for help as everyone is so concerned about them. Two thirds of women on the streets have decided to rough sleep in a borough different from their last settled home as they are fleeing from violence and abuse in their home.

The amazing Women’s Rough Sleeping census has highlighted that the official statistics are only a part of the picture. So many women avoid services where they will be counted in the statistics – because they feel so unsafe. Their rough sleeping is hidden on buses and 24-hour settings like A&E receptions. In their last survey for London last autumn highlighted around 400 women sleeping rough and urgently needing help to get inside.

Last week we heard the amazing news that we have secured £2.8m over 3 years to develop a day centre specifically for women called Daylight. This will include practical essential facilities like showers, a laundry and food. It will also have support to minimise the harm associated with rough sleeping including physical and mental health services as well as substance misuse support. We will also be helping women to move into accommodation away from the streets.

Rough sleeping is now stabilising in London but the number of people who are on the streets long term went up 15% in Westminster – with more than 800 people who have been out for 2 years or more. Our work continues to be an absolutely vital part of our society’s response to homelessness. We do have a choice, it doesn’t need to be this way.

Pam Orchard, Chief Executive Officer, The Connection