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How can we better help people who are homeless?

2 October 2024

We want to know more about the reasons people become homeless, what measures could have better supported them, and how we can shape our housing and support services around those who need them most.

That’s why we have opened a homelessness and rough sleeping survey that anyone can take part in.

Knowing what happened in people’s lives that led to them becoming homeless is vital for us to get it right and provide the best services to people in the hardest situations. This is the key to preventing it happening in the first place.

It’s also important to know what works well – if people have had positive experiences and can share something which worked well for their clients, in their roles at work, for friends, family members or for themselves. This will ensure that we learn from others and create a service that follows good practice.

The questions asked in this survey will lead to a greater understanding of the interrelated services the council, community, charity and voluntary sector provide – what does and does not work for people. It will help to identify the gaps, when people were missing something, however small or ambitious, which could have helped them off the streets or into better housing.

Councillor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for sustainable development, said: “We want to end rough sleeping and homelessness. Nobody should be sleeping on the streets and we know that there are many complex reasons why someone would end up in such a desperate situation. We want to hear everyone’s views on our strategy, those who have experienced homelessness of all kinds themselves, people who work closely to support rough sleepers and the homeless and anyone who feels strongly enough to have a view on how we can help people into safe and secure homes in Southwark.”

The draft strategy that people can look at and comment on has five clear objectives and areas to focus on, which are:

  • Prioritise Homelessness Prevention
  • Deliver High Quality Advice & Support
  • Work to End Rough Sleeping
  • Quality Outcomes Through Housing Provision
  • Tackling Systemic Housing Insecurity 

The survey closes on the 8 December but we urge anyone who works or lives with homelessness to tell us what they think.

Page last updated: 02 October 2024

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