Joe's Story

Outreach is carried out in the early hours of the morning to engage with vulnerable individuals who are rough sleeping. The team cover the whole of Leicestershire and Rutland in supporting individuals into accommodation and ensuring the right support is in place for them to succeed. 

Individuals rough sleeping on the streets may have little access to essential items. The Outreach Team are able to offer clients essential supplies such as a hot drink, hot food, water, sleeping bag, tent, or clothing; by making use of the Co-operative Community Dividend Fund who kindly granted £2,000 for such items this year. 

Not only do the Outreach Team initially assist individuals off the street, but they also ensure relevant support is in place for the client to break the cycle of rough sleeping. 

Most recently, the Outreach Team received a report regarding a gentleman called Joe who was rough sleeping. The Outreach Team went to the area at 6am to attempt to engage with Joe. He was located, and told the team he had been sleeping on a bench for 2 weeks since coming out of hospital, after suffering with his mental health due to a bereavement in his life. 

After initial conversations and gathering the relevant information to liaise with the Local Authority, the Outreach Team confirmed the case and supported Joe in communicating with the council. 

The Outreach Team also got a food parcel for Joe and signposted him to external agencies to support him in his substance misuse. 

Once the council had made initial enquiries, they offered him temporary accommodation. The Outreach Team drove Joe to the B&B, checked him in and showed him to his room. Joe was extremely grateful for the support given, and his case will now be passed to our Supported Lettings Team to provide assistance in accessing long term accommodation and support in the skills required to sustain a tenancy.