Figures released by the Government today show that street homelessness remains an issue here in Suffolk.
The Rough Sleeping Snapshot survey found that 2440 people were estimated to be sleeping rough in England on a single night in autumn 2021. Most people sleeping rough in England were male, aged over 26 years old and from the UK. This is similar to previous years.
At least 25 of those seen to be sleeping rough were in Suffolk. However, data was not available on the Department For Levelling Up, Housing and Communities website for Ipswich Borough Council, Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council.
15 people were found to be sleeping rough in the East Suffolk Council area and 10 in the West Suffolk Council area.
The Rough Sleeping Count took place on one evening in Autumn 2021. Local authorities used either use a count-based estimate of visible rough sleeping, an evidence-based estimate meeting with local agencies or an evidence-based estimate meeting including a spotlight count.
These figures do not include other forms of homelessness, including people in night-shelters, hostels, those in temporary accommodation such as B&Bs or people “sofa surfing”.
Emma Francis, Community Manager at Emmaus Suffolk, believes the stats released today do not paint the full picture of homelessness in the region.
“We are saddened to see that 2440 people were found to be experiencing homelessness across England, at least 25 of those here in Suffolk. However, the data for three council areas in Suffolk is not available on the Government website, so we think this figure is likely to be higher.
“These stats also only include people who were seen sleeping rough on just one evening last year, but we know that many homeless people are hidden from view, choosing to find somewhere out of sight to bed down due to fears for their safety.
“It doesn’t include those who are unstably housed in temporary accommodation or “sofa surfing”. We anticipate this figure will rise even more over the next 12 months as the rise of living costs impact the most vulnerable, through no fault of the individual, or family.
There is some good news, however.
We are part of the Ipswich Locality Homeless Partnership, a partnership of about 30 organisations from across a wide range of sectors, all working to reduce homelessness in Ipswich.
Along with organisations such as IHAG, Ipswich Soup Kitchen, Turning Point and Help Our Homeless, we’re working to prevent homelessness and to provide help to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.
If you spot someone sleeping on the streets please contact Street Link by visiting www.streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 0914 to send an alert. If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999.
Emmaus Suffolk’s hubs in Ipswich & Felixstowe are free to attend, with support workers on hand to help with budgeting, job-seeking, housing and physical & mental wellbeing. Visit www.emmaussuffolk.org.uk for more information