Tell us about a rough sleeper
If you’re worried about someone who is sleeping on the streets in Redbridge, you can report it to StreetLink.
It’ll tell us about the person you’re helping. We’ll find the person and give them help to access local services and support.
Call 999 if the person needs urgent medical help or they are under 18 years old.
You’ll need to make note of:
- the person's location
- the time you saw them
- a description of them
- their presentation
Tell us about a rough sleeper via the StreetLink
Who you should tell us about
Tell us about anyone you see sleeping rough. This can include:
- people sleeping or bedding down in the open air such as on the streets, in tents, doorways, parks or bus shelters
- people staying in places that are not designed for living in, such as stairwells, sheds, car parks or cars
- people you have seen sleeping rough for a long time
Rough sleepers do not include squatters or Travellers.
The StreetLink can provide you with an update if you ask for this when you make the initial report.
If you're experiencing rough sleeping
You can call directly on 0300 500 0914 (freephone) or go onto the Streetlink website.
Support for people sleeping rough during cold weather
The Greater London Authority triggers a severe weather response for rough sleepers, when temperatures drop to zero degrees or below.
When this happens, we'll open a 24 hour rest centre to make sure anyone sleeping rough can access temporary accommodation with support.
We'll offer extra warm spaces from our 11 libraries for anyone to access.
If you see someone sleeping rough
Encourage them to go to the Welcome Centre during the day.
The Welcome Centre
4 St Marys Rd, Ilford IG1 1QX
0208 514 3283
info@thewelcomecentre.org.uk
Outside these hours, you can make a referral online on the StreetLink website
If you’re worried about someone’s immediate health or safety and it could be life-threatening, call 999.
After 5pm and until 9pm, you can call 0208 708 4002 for out-of-hours support.
You can also self-refer through to the StreetLink by calling 0300 500 0914 or visiting StreetLink website
