Peterborough, like many others cities across the UK, has seen an increase in rough sleepers in its city centre over recent months.
Organisations from voluntary, faith, community and public service organisations, decided to launch a multi-agency partnership, called Safer off the Streets, to bring together a more targeted approach to tackle the issue of rough sleeping.
Rough sleeping is the most visible and unacceptable consequence of homelessness. Alongside the number of people sleeping rough in Peterborough, there are many other individuals and households living in temporary accommodation and experiencing homelessness in our city.
Although there are many agencies across the city doing much already to tackle the issue of rough sleeping, we felt a more targeted approach was needed. All the partners in Safer off the Streets believe that everyone has the right to a home, to have hope and to feel part of a community, that’s why charities and organisations across the city have joined up to create a network or support to help people who are sleeping rough, but also to look at ways to prevent and support people so they don’t end up on the streets in the first place.
There are amazing services to help people who are homeless in Peterborough, but it is not easy for the general public to know what support is available, and what is needed. The people of Peterborough are already empowered to help, however feel unsure about the best way to do this. The Safer off the Streets campaign website brings all this information into one place.
Donations, however big or small, makes a real difference to homeless and vulnerable people in Peterborough. We’ve now made it easy to donate money online, at cash donation points and a contactless card donation window. The website and social media will also keep people up to date on support available and to find out what items are in need.
Safer off the Streets is a registered charity: 1195680
