What to do if you see someone sleeping rough?
- Julian House
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Rough sleeping is one of the most visible types of homelessness. It is typically associated with sleeping outside, but also refers to sleeping in a place not designed for living such as an empty building or a car.
We often get asked about the best way to help anyone who is visibly sleeping rough.
There isn’t a single ‘right’ way to help. How you respond will always come down to personal comfort and circumstances, and we wouldn’t judge anyone choosing to set a polite boundary or even not engage directly if you don’t feel comfortable to do so.
To ensure that everyone receives the needed support and shelter, there are ways you can help:
- Use Streetlink.org.uk. When you raise a detailed StreetLink alert, the information goes directly to local outreach teams. These details help outreach teams act faster to find the person sleeping rough and offer them the right support.
- If someone appears unwell or in distress, call 999.
- Acknowledge the person. A greeting, eye contact, or a kind word can matter more than many people realise.
- Connect with them if you are able to. This might be offering food, a hot drink, or something practical.
-Use BillyChips. These can be purchased in our shops and given to individuals who are sleeping rough. BillyChips can be exchanged for at least a hot or cold takeaway drink, and in some cases dog food or additional items, depending on the outlet.
-Signpost directly to services. You can direct individuals to our website or hostel if they are seeking advice or accommodation support.
In terms of broader, indirect support:
-Supporting organisations like Julian House enables trained professionals to provide accommodation, healthcare, and long-term support.
-Advocating and staying informed also helps, for example, talking openly about homelessness; challenging stereotypes; and supporting approaches that address the root causes.
