How number of people rough sleeping in Preston has changed in last decade

The Foxton Centre have taken to social media to explain how far they have come in terms of helping those sleeping rough get off the streets.

As the weather gets worse, people across Preston are concerned about those who are homeless and do not have a roof over their heads.

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On social media, The Foxton Centre posted: “In Preston we are fortunate that Preston City Council, Community Gateway Association, Calico, Key, Progress Housing, Onward and the Foxton Centre are all working in partnership under the banner of the Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI) to deliver services to rough sleepers in the city.”

Jeff Marsh from the Foxton Centre said: “The strong partnership we have built over the past four years has meant that services available to rough sleepers in the city continue to improve, that’s not to say everything is perfect but we are able to offer a comprehensive service for this vulnerable group.”

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The Foxton Centre recently completed the rough sleepers count for the city for the Dept of Leveling Up Communities and Housing in line with government advice.

On the night of the count they had six teams out in the city looking for rough sleepers. Also present was the independent verifier to make sure the account was administered properly.

The numbers in the chart below show the progress over the past few years with a 54 per cent reduction on 2020 and a 73 per cent reduction from the peak in 2018.

There is a vast reduction in rough sleepers across Preston

Foxton CEO Jeff Marsh said one person on the streets is too many but these numbers demonstrate the success of the partnership work in Preston.

Councillor Nweeda Khan, Cabinet member for communities and social justice at Preston City Council, said: “Partnership working and a multi-agency approach in helping those people presenting as homeless is the best course of action, this is proven by the reduction in numbers from the peak in 2018 to this year.

“This decrease is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of those on the front line and behind the scenes helping people who often have very varied and complex needs.

“It’s vital that this help and support is available all year round, not just through the winter period, so it’s clear that the Government funding received for the Rough Sleepers Initiative is being put to good use here in Preston.

“We hope to continue this great work with our partners, alongside community and faith groups. If you are concerned about a vulnerable person who appears to be sleeping rough, please contact the Outreach team at the Foxton Centre who can make sure they are safe and offered the appropriate help, support and somewhere to stay.”

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