17 Oct 2006 - Rough Sleeping
Sleeping rough is a last resort for a homeless person. It is extremely dangerous and unpleasant and should be avoided.But if you have tried all other options and have no other choice, you should try and stay as safe and warm as you possibly can.
Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy on the streets:
Try and find somewhere sheltered away from the wind or rain
Stay protected from the cold and wind with a blanket or sleeping bag
Do not sleep directly on the ground but on a sheet or blanket if you can
Try and sleep with a group of people to stay safer, but avoid public places if possible to reduce the dangers of the general public, such as violence or abuse
Try and stay in a place that outreach teams visit. They may bring free food and water and blankets. They can also give you advice or take you to the nearest shelter if there is room
Getting medical treatment if you are sleeping rough can be difficult, although you are still entitled to register with a doctor. If you are sick, some surgeries have drop-in centres or a nurse may visit a local outreach centre. If it is an emergency, call 999 or visit your local hospital's accident and emergency unit
It may be a good idea to store any belongings you have at a local day centre, if the facility is available. This reduces the chance of being robbed or threatened on the street
Find out about your local outreach centres, day centres and charity services for the homeless. They will be your best chance of getting into accommodation or getting advice on how you can get yourself off the street
Try and find somewhere sheltered away from the wind or rain
Stay protected from the cold and wind with a blanket or sleeping bag
Do not sleep directly on the ground but on a sheet or blanket if you can
Try and sleep with a group of people to stay safer, but avoid public places if possible to reduce the dangers of the general public, such as violence or abuse
Try and stay in a place that outreach teams visit. They may bring free food and water and blankets. They can also give you advice or take you to the nearest shelter if there is room
Getting medical treatment if you are sleeping rough can be difficult, although you are still entitled to register with a doctor. If you are sick, some surgeries have drop-in centres or a nurse may visit a local outreach centre. If it is an emergency, call 999 or visit your local hospital's accident and emergency unit
It may be a good idea to store any belongings you have at a local day centre, if the facility is available. This reduces the chance of being robbed or threatened on the street
Find out about your local outreach centres, day centres and charity services for the homeless. They will be your best chance of getting into accommodation or getting advice on how you can get yourself off the street