Advice for people experiencing homelessness
If you are experiencing homelessness, or are concerned about someone who is, please read the below.
StreetLink London
If you or someone else is sleeping on the streets, use StreetLink to make a referral to a local rough sleeping Outreach Team. StreetLink is a national rough sleeper referral site and app, which St Mungo’s help to run in London.
StreetLink – Connecting people sleeping rough to local services
Streetlink and outreach teams
You can contact Streetlink if you’re sleeping rough. Streetlink does not have accommodation.
Streetlink connects you with local outreach teams.
Outreach teams can sometimes help you get:
- a room in a hostel
- emergency housing from the council
- a bed in a night shelter or winter shelter
Outreach workers might come and see you on the streets a few times before they can find you somewhere to stay.
SWEP – Cold Weather Advice
Most councils in England have special accommodation help during very cold weather. This is known as the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol or SWEP.
SWEP accommodation can be in a hostel, night shelter or in a building owned by a community group. Advice and support into longer term accommodation may be available.
Ask your local council or Streetlink about SWEP if it feels like it is near freezing.
You do not have to meet immigration, residence or priority need conditions to get SWEP accommodation.
