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While homelessness and rough sleeping is nothing new, recent reports have highlighted a notable rise in the issue across the UK. However, there is a service you can use which is quick and will offer rough sleepers the help and support they need. 

Although Birmingham’s homeless population is not as great as other areas of the country, concerns have been raised about the increased visibility of rough sleepers in the city, particularly in the outer ring of the city centre in places like the Jewellery Quarter.

What can you do?

StreetLink offers the public a means to act when they see someone sleeping rough, and is the first step someone can take to ensure rough sleepers are connected to the local services and support available to them. If you are worried about someone sleeping rough, simply call the free phone number 0300 500 0914 or by visiting the website www.streelink.org.uk. There is also an official app which makes reporting even easier available on both Android and Apple devices.

About the service

StreetLink is delivered by Homeless Link—the national membership charity for organisations working directly with people who become homeless in England. The service is funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Greater London Authority, as part of their commitment to end rough sleeping in England.

When do I use the service?

If you suspect someone of being homeless or sleeping rough, then report it. You do not need to be certain or to have even spoken to the person.

“The Jewellery Quarter BID works alongside the local Police to team to report and assist in helping the homeless and moving them out of the Quarter”, comments Luke Crane, Manager for the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID). “StreetLink is a fantastic tool we encourage everyone to use to help us, help them and together make the area a better place to liver, learn work and visit.”

You can read more about the JQBID’s work by visiting jewelleryquarter.net/JQBID.

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