Rough Sleeping?
Practical help and information for people rough sleeping or sofa surfing, and how to let us know about someone rough sleeping.
If you are rough sleeping or sofa surfing please contact Housing Solutions. We have a dedicated rough sleeper team who can give support with things like obtaining health services, claiming benefits, finding somewhere to live, opening a bank account and much more.
To tell us of someone sleeping rough, email Roughsleeperteam@wiltshire.gov.uk or visit StreetLink and we will try to contact them. Please give as much information as possible such as where and when, a short description of the person and any dog.
There is more information in our leaflet Rough sleeper support in the right hand menu.
Help for Rough Sleepers in Wiltshire
Drop-in centres
Drop-in centres offer things like food, clothing, showers, mail collection and help with day to day problems. Visit their websites for details. Alabare Place and Unity House offer free dog food.
- Salisbury - Salisbury Street Project, Alabare Place. Monday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
- Devizes - Opendoors, Southbroom Centre, Victoria Road, Devizes, SN10 1HG. Monday lunch, Wednesday breakfast and Friday evening meal.
- Chippenham - Doorway, The Citadel, Bath Road, Chippenham, SN15 2AB. Main sessions Mondays 9.30am - 12.30pm, Wednesdays 10am - 12 noon and Thursdays 12.30pm - 3.30pm.
- Chippenham - Unity House, 4 Wood Lane. Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm.
Health
Food banks The rough sleeper team and drop in centres can provide food bank vouchers. Find your local food bank.
Nelson Trust supports people affected by drug and alcohol problems including dual diagnosis and runs a women's service Nelson Trust.
Turning Point supports people affected by drug and alcohol problems Turning Point.
Housing
Supporting rough sleepers into accommodation is a priority. This might be on an emergency basis to begin with such as a night shelter place, a hostel or shared house with support. We will support you to find more permanent accommodation tailored to your needs and situation, and to access help with the costs. Long term options might include specialist accommodation with support, a private let or for those who qualify social or affordable housing. We can also help people with a local connection to another area who wish to return there and access housing.
Internet
Most libraries offer free use of internet and computers. You need to join the library first but there is a fast track system for people rough sleeping with no ID.
Dogs
The Dogs Trust Hope Project offers some free Vet treatment. Call them on 020 7833 7611, visit Dogs Trust or email hopeproject@dogstrust.org.uk.
The Alabare Place and Unity House drop-in centres offer free dog food.
Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP)
In very cold weather when the temperature falls to 0 degrees or lower, for three or more days in a row, we provide extra emergency places for people rough sleeping and their pets. We let people know about these on our Twitter and Facebook page.