Buildings-based initiative pays off

A controversial scheme to support  rough sleepers in buildings rather than on the street is showing results, according to an independent evaluation.

Westminster Council’s buildingbased services approach has helped to improve the support offered to rough sleepers and joint working, the local authority-commissioned evaluation found.

It adds that the improvements may have also contributed to a fall in the number of rough sleepers in the borough. The report’s recommendations to improve the scheme include more assertive street work, support for people with common mental
health problems and better move-on opportunities.