Rough Sleeping support services for Hammersmith and Fulham

Preventing and reducing rough sleeping remains a key priority for London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Council (the “Council”). Despite significant progress, a cohort of individuals continue to experience long-term or recurrent rough sleeping, often alongside complex needs such as mental ill health and physical health, substance misuse, offending histories, and immigration issues. The Street Outreach service identifies people sleeping rough in London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) and provides direct support to individuals on the streets, supporting them towards off street accommodation where possible. This service is integral to safeguarding some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The Housing First model is internationally recognised as an effective intervention for rough sleepers or those with histories of rough sleeping, providing access to independent housing with no requirement for individuals to demonstrate ‘housing readiness’, alongside intensive wraparound support. It is intended for those with complex needs who are often not able to cope in a supported accommodation environment. Navigator services provide assertive support to rough sleepers with complex needs and individuals at imminent risk of rough, ensuring people sleeping rough or at imminent risk of rough sleeping can access accommodation pathways, health services, and benefits, and maintain interim housing. Hammersmith and Fulham is recommissioning these support-based services and seeking views from the market prior to undertaking a tender process.