Support Available for People Sleeping Rough Across Dorset
People sleeping rough across Dorset are being urged to seek help, as a range of outreach services remain available to offer support, accommodation advice and emergency assistance.
Dorset Council’s rough sleeper outreach service is delivered by housing and homelessness charity Julian House, which works across the council area to engage with people who are street homeless and help them find safer, more stable living options.
Anyone sleeping rough who has access to a phone can contact the outreach team directly on 01305 236585, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Callers will be asked for basic details to help the team locate them and discuss available support. As the service operates primarily on outreach, staff may not always be in the office, but messages are monitored and followed up as soon as possible.
For urgent support outside of normal working hours, people are advised to contact Dorset Council on 01305 221000.
Reporting Concerns About Someone Sleeping Rough
Members of the public who are worried about someone sleeping rough can help by reporting concerns through StreetLink, a national service that connects people sleeping rough with local outreach teams. Information submitted to StreetLink is passed on to Julian House, enabling outreach workers to locate and support individuals.
Alternatively, concerns can be raised directly with Julian House by emailing dorset-outreach@julianhouse.org.uk or calling 01305 236585 during office hours.
If the person is believed to be under 18, in immediate danger, or in need of urgent medical care, the public should call 999.
How the Outreach Service Helps
The Julian House outreach team aims to reduce rough sleeping and the risks associated with it. Their work includes street outreach and tailored support to help people who are homeless to:
•access information, advice and support to find accommodation
•secure emergency accommodation during severe weather
•reconnect with family or communities outside Dorset where appropriate
•access health, wellbeing and support services
•connect with services that help improve personal and public safety
Support During Extreme Weather
Extra measures are put in place during periods of extreme weather under Dorset Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).
In winter, temporary shelter is offered to people sleeping rough when the Met Office forecasts temperatures of zero degrees Celsius or below for three consecutive days. During summer heatwaves, outreach teams may increase welfare checks, providing fresh water, sunscreen and health monitoring.
These periods also provide opportunities for outreach workers to engage with people sleeping rough about longer-term housing options and ongoing support.
Dorset Council and Julian House continue to stress that help is available, and that no one sleeping rough should feel they have to face the situation alone.