The council leads a multi-agency approach and figures released this week
show Wolverhampton has fewer rough sleepers than many cities in the
country.

The Government count – a data snapshot taken once a year and based on a
single night – puts the number of rough sleepers in Wolverhampton at six,
down from 11 in November, 2022.

The statistics have been released by the Department for Levelling Up,
Housing and Communities after its latest count on Thursday October 26,
2023.

It shows Wolverhampton is bucking the national trend that has seen a rise in
the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night for the
second year in a row.

The West Midlands has also seen the smallest increase in rough sleepers on
a single night out of all the regions in the country, with a 2 per cent rise. The
national figure rose by 27 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022.

All of those found rough sleeping on the night of the count in Wolverhampton
have since been supported with an offer of long-term safe, suitable and
sustainable accommodation with the help of the city’s Pathway Service,
commissioned by City of Wolverhampton Council and run by social inclusion
charity P3.

The opening of Peter Bilson House in Bond Street, Wolverhampton, has also
helped to play a significant role in providing help for rough sleepers since its
opening a year ago in spring 2023.

Named after the late Councillor Peter Bilson it offers additional good quality
accommodation, support and emergency bed spaces for people who are
rough sleeping. The service has provided a base for multi-agency work to
continue to support people with a history of rough sleeping.

Councillor Steve Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing at
City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Rough sleeping numbers are down to
some of the lowest levels they’ve ever been in the city which is a testament to
the effective partnership work being done.

“In its first year Peter Bilson House is already helping to transform the lives
of vulnerable people in our city allowing people to live safe and
independent lives with the backing of arms-length support as and when
required. It really is a fitting legacy to the man it is named after who was
devoted to the City of Wolverhampton and its residents. 

“Anyone currently sleeping rough in Wolverhampton will have been offered
accommodation and support. In a small number of cases individuals
sometimes refuse help or support for various reasons but we will still
endeavour to work with anyone who is homeless through our dedicated
outreach support.

“Our aim is to ensure no one has to sleep rough in Wolverhampton and the
council continues to work with a number of partners across the city to this
end.”

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member
for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “People who are sleeping rough, or are at risk
of becoming homeless, often also have complex needs including physical and
mental health problems.

“Supporting vulnerable clients through Public Health, NHS, social care and
addiction services, alongside housing and employment support, has helped
many people in Wolverhampton find a long term and sustainable alternative to
sleeping rough.”

P3’s Head of Support & Community Services, Sam Bailey, said: “Effective
partnership working is key to our ongoing success in Wolverhampton.
“By working collaboratively, we can continue to ensure everyone across the
city knows no one should have to sleep outside or go hungry.

“For P3, our goal remains the same and we will work daily to ensure anyone
who has experienced homelessness can access the support they need to exit
the streets.

“Our priority is for people to have somewhere safe and settled to call home,
and access to the right personalised emotional and practical assistance to
turn their life around.”

For details on how to contact support services to help those experiencing
rough sleeping, visit Rough sleeping | City Of Wolverhampton Council,
https://www.p3charity.org/services/wolverhampton-housing-and-homeless-
service or Find Help - Street Support.

People can also help the homeless and rough sleepers by donating money
online to the city’s Alternative Giving Charity via
www.justgiving.com/alternativegiving or by using the charity’s tap-and-go
points in Railway Drive or Victoria Square.

If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough
visit thestreetlink.org.uk website to get them help.
With the cost of living crisis placing added pressure on households, the city
council has put in place a number of support mechanisms to prevent people
becoming homeless or rough sleepers. Full details can be found at Cost of
Living Support | City Of Wolverhampton Council