News

A groundbreaking partnership that has transformed the borough’s approach to homelessness and rough sleeping has marked 10 years of delivering vital support to some of the most vulnerable people across Basingstoke and Deane.

This month (October) marks 10 years since the first meeting of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP), a collaboration of specialist, voluntary, statutory, faith and community organisations and groups coming together to reduce homelessness in the borough, working alongside those with lived experience.

To mark this milestone, members of the partnership gathered for a special event at Carnival Hall on World Homeless Day, Friday 10 October. The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore and Luke Murphy MP were among the guests, together with people who spoke about their personal experiences of rough sleeping. 

Since its first meeting in 2015, the partnership has grown into a driving force for change. Together, its partners have transformed the landscape of homelessness support, with a decade of innovation and collaboration.

From the opening of The Dwelling Place in 2015 and the installation of showers at the Camrose Centre in 2016, to the launch of the Real Change Campaign and the creation of the annual Night Light Winter Shelter, the SIP has been transformative in supporting those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

In 2016, 26 people were recorded as sleeping rough in the borough. By 2020 this number fell to zero, thanks to the partnership’s commitment to ensuring no one was left behind as part of a package of support delivered during the pandemic. Rough sleeping remains at some of the lowest levels ever seen in the borough, with two individuals recorded in the most recent 2024 count.

But the achievements go far beyond statistics. Those within the Social Inclusion Partnership have:

• introduced peer mentors and clinical psychologists into the homelessness pathway, helping people rebuild their lives, with Outcome Home leading the way in peer support
• developed safe, long-term housing solutions, creating Blackdown and Nova properties, Viables Farm Cottages and are re-designing and refurbishing May Place House to bring it up to modern and fit for purpose standards
• opened a women’s safe house and launched Wellbeing Wednesdays at the Camrose Centre, addressing the specific needs of vulnerable women
• led innovative projects such as the probation and housing art project and achieved recognition such as White Ribbon accreditation, showing a commitment not just to housing, but to dignity, safety and inclusion
• provided the Night Light Winter Shelter to offer a warm and safe space for rough sleepers over the coldest months since its pilot in December 2016 – last year, 36 people spent at least one night in the shelter, with one guest staying for 76 nights
• raised, through The Real Change Not Loose Change campaign, over £60,000 since 2016 to support homeless people off the streets and connect them to the help they need in Basingstoke and Deane.

Looking ahead, the SIP is not slowing down. A comprehensive refurbishment of May Place House is set to start in January to bring the psychologically informed accommodation setting up to modern standards to meet residents’ needs. To ensure vital support is stronger than ever, single homeless support services will be re-procured and plans are underway for a second Homeless Health Needs Audit to understand the changing need a decade on.

A key figure within the SIP from the very beginning has been Charlie Wood, Lead Peer Mentor at Outcome Home. Reflecting on his role in the partnership and the difference it has made, he said: “I know what it’s like to lose everything – to go from having a stable job, a home, and family, to sleeping on the streets. That experience stays with you, but now I’m using it to make a difference.

“Being part of the Social Inclusion Partnership has given me the chance to turn my past into action. I work alongside partners and peers to support rough sleepers, help shape services, and open conversations that might never happen otherwise. Every time someone gets the right support, finds a safe place to sleep, or takes the first step to rebuild their life, I see the impact we can have.

“The journey isn’t easy – it’s rarely straightforward – but the partnership shows what can happen when lived experience meets practical action. Knowing that I can use my story to help others avoid the hardships I went through, and to guide the work of the SIP, is incredibly rewarding. It’s why I continue to be involved and why I believe this partnership changes lives every single day.

The anniversary event celebrates not only the achievements of the SIP over the past decade but also the community spirit and collaboration that make its work possible. It was a chance to recognise those who have gone above and beyond, with an award going to the phenomenal Night Light Winter Shelter volunteers. Last year, 144 people gave their time to support the crucial shelters.

Awards were also given in recognition of the SIP COVID response, recognising those who were out working and volunteering on the streets and in hostels at a time when most were safely at home, to the Camrose Centre for its work around the health of homeless people, and to Charlie Wood for his unwavering dedication to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the borough.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Residents’ Services Cllr Laura James said: “Homelessness and rough sleeping is a very complex subject and there are any number of reasons why people become homeless. Every person experiencing homelessness has a different journey and a different story to tell. Some will go through life events which will push them into homelessness such as a relationship breakdown, bereavement, the loss of a job, or health issues.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate this decade-long journey. Hearing first-hand from those whose lives have been transformed reminds us why this work matters, and it inspires us to keep pushing forward to ensure no one in our community faces homelessness alone.”

The Social Inclusion Partnership is currently raising funds to improve facilities for people experiencing homelessness in Basingstoke.  This year, the campaign has focused on supporting the installation of a new shower at a local church, a vital addition that will make a big difference to those without access to basic amenities.

Local residents, organisations and partners have taken part in sponsored walks throughout the year to help reach the fundraising target.

Donations are still being welcomed, and every contribution goes directly towards creating a cleaner, safer, and more dignified space for those most in need.

To find out more or to donate, visit www.RealChangeBasingstoke.org.uk/walking-for-real-change

Residents and visitors who spot someone sleeping rough in the borough are asked to report this to ensure the individual gets the help and support they need at https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

Plans for the major transformation of a Basingstoke hostel that provides emergency accommodation for residents at risk of homelessness are being firmed up after the council agreed to purchase the building.

May Place House, at the Top of the Town, is set to undergo an extensive refurbishment from January to bring it up to modern standards and protect the vital service, which provides targeted support and an important first step for people moving onto permanent accommodation.

The building, which offers emergency beds for single people at risk of homelessness, is currently owned by London and Quadrant Housing Trust, with residents referred to the service through Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s specialist outreach service. Support services for residents living at the facility are commissioned by the borough council and funded by Hampshire County Council.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and London and Quadrant Housing have now signed contracts that will see the council take ownership of the building from January 2026. Work to secure a specialist housing and support provider is due to begin this summer and refurbishment work is set to start in January.

This will see the building modernised to provide a warm and welcoming space, including accessible rooms, en-suite bathrooms, additional kitchen areas and better communal areas, as well as improved office space where individuals can get one-to-one support.

Subject to the refurbishment work being completed, the building is expected to reopen by autumn 2026, with alternative accommodation in place for anyone at risk of homelessness while work takes place.

As well as the accommodation provided at May Place House, residents also receive specialist support from partners in the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership which underpin its collective approach to tackling homelessness in the borough.

This includes working closely with individuals to focus on their specific needs and address the often complex issues that have led to them becoming homeless as well as supporting them as they look to move onto more permanent accommodation.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Following our initial decision in March, we have been working relentlessly to complete the work needed to purchase May Place House as quickly as possible. This represents a huge commitment from the council to protect a vital lifeline for our most vulnerable residents.

“By investing in this life-changing facility, we are not only protecting essential services for those at risk of homelessness – we are moving a step closer to bringing May Place House up to modern standards.

“But this is about more than bricks and mortar. Through our work with partners in the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, we are passionate about creating a safe and welcoming space where individuals can get early and targeted support at the start of their journey to independence and a permanent home.”

The country’s leading specialist domestic abuse partnership has recognised Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for the high standard of support it offers those suffering domestic abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance brings together Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse and housing providers. Its accreditation scheme sets out the UK benchmark for how housing providers and partners should respond to victims of domestic abuse, which is coercive behaviour including physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, financial or sexual abuse.

Following a rigorous assessment process, the borough council has been accredited by the alliance in recognition of its commitment and action to provide safe accommodation and support for victims of domestic abuse. Basingstoke and Deane is only the fifth borough or district council in England without directly owned social housing stock to be awarded the accreditation.

As part of action to achieve Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accreditation, the council has carried out a significant amount of work to understand and better meet the needs of anyone affected by domestic abuse. This includes training for staff to ensure they have the skills and support to help victims when they contact the council and the creation of a dedicated domestic abuse forum to bring together organisations with a shared ambition to tackle domestic abuse.

Targeted support for victims has also been introduced through a dedicated outreach service where specialist officers provide therapeutic, practical and emotional trauma-centred support, alongside housing advice, within 24 hours of a victim or survivor approaching the council for assistance after experiencing domestic abuse.

To ensure the council’s targeted approach continues to be shaped by what victims and survivors need and to support work to maintain accreditation, two new specialist roles have been created to provide additional help and advice for residents.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “We want our borough to be a safer place for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. This accreditation is the result of the dedication and hard work of our team and reflects the life-saving role they play, together with our partners, to protect our residents from domestic abuse.

“We are determined to tackle domestic abuse and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in making sure our residents have as many opportunities as possible to get the help they need so they no longer suffer in silence.

“Victims and survivors of domestic abuse are often isolated and don’t know where to turn to for help. We are here all year round ready to provide the help they need to rebuild their lives with a safe place to call home.”

Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance Regional Lead Liberty Spencer said: “We are incredibly pleased and honoured to award Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council DAHA Accreditation. Everyone involved should feel truly proud of this remarkable achievement. We recognise the dedication, commitment, and hard work required to adopt and embed high standards of good practice, and the success here is deeply well-deserved.

“We were especially impressed by the commitment to providing a tailored, trauma-informed response, and the way in which the organisation has consistently centred the voices of survivors in its approach. By undertaking this vital work, we are confident that the lives of victims and survivors will be safer. Basingstoke and Deane is a shining example of good practice in the national response to domestic abuse, and a beacon for others to follow.”

For residents experiencing domestic abuse, or wanting to know the signs of abuse, lots of information is available on the council website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/domestic-abuse.

A Basingstoke hostel which provides emergency accommodation for residents at risk of homelessness is set to undergo a major transformation as part of work to protect the vital service.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s decision-making Cabinet will consider proposals to purchase May Place House, at the Top of the Town, and carry out an extensive refurbishment of the building to bring it up to modern standards, at a meeting next week (Tuesday 18 March).

The building, which offers up to 20 emergency beds for single people at risk of homelessness, is currently owned by London and Quadrant Housing Trust with residents referred to the service through the council’s specialist outreach service and the council’s homelessness team. Support services for residents living at the facility are commissioned by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and funded by Hampshire County Council.

If approved by Cabinet, and subject to further surveys on the building, refurbishment work would be set to start by January 2026.

This would see the building modernised to provide a warm and welcoming space, including accessible rooms, en-suite bathrooms, additional kitchen areas and better communal areas, as well as improved office space where individuals can get one-to-one support.

Subject to the refurbishment work being completed, the building would then reopen by autumn 2026, with alternative accommodation and support being offered for people who become homeless while work takes place.

As well as the accommodation provided at May Place House, residents also receive specialist support from partners in the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, which takes a collective approach to tackling homelessness in the borough.

This includes working closely with individuals to focus on their specific needs and address the often complex issues that have led to them becoming homeless, as well as supporting them as they look to move onto more permanent accommodation.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Nobody in our borough should have to sleep rough. We have committed to using our resources to vastly improve the standards of facilities for those at risk of homelessness across Basingstoke and Deane as part of Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership’s trailblazing work to tackle homelessness.

“We have a duty to support the most vulnerable members of our community and must seize our chance to protect this life-changing service with both hands. Owning this building would give us an exciting opportunity to bring the facilities up to modern standards. It would also provide a safe and welcoming space where individuals can get early and targeted support, working with our partners, as part of their journey to independence and a permanent home.”

Residents and visitors who spot someone sleeping rough in the borough are asked to report this to ensure the individual gets the help and support they need at https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

The Night Light Winter Shelter is now open and is providing vital support for anyone sleeping rough in the borough.

Operating from Sunday 1 December 2024 to Friday 28 February 2025, the shelter is open every night at different churches around the town and will provide support and friendly company, access to support services to help secure longer-term accommodation, nutritious meals and a warm place for anyone rough sleeping.

The shelter is being run by a network of churches from across the borough and is limited to 10 beds each night. Guests will be referred via the council’s outreach provider Julian House, the Camrose Centre or directly by the council’s housing team.

More information about the shelter is available at www.basingstoke-nlws.org

If you would like to help provide this vital support, please call 07867 518169 or email contact@basingstoke-nlws.org

An innovative approach to working together to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in Basingstoke and Deane has seen the number of people sleeping on the streets fall during the year.

Each year the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government asks every local authority to record the number of people sleeping rough in their area in November.

In Basingstoke and Deane, the number of people sleeping on the streets has fallen from 26 in 2016, when numbers were at its highest, and was recorded as two on the night of the count in November 2024.

This year’s figure was submitted by members of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, which is a coalition of statutory services, commissioned housing providers, voluntary and faith-based groups and those with lived experience of rough sleeping. The partnership was set up with a shared ambition to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness across the borough.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Nobody should have to sleep rough in our borough and the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership remains dedicated to working tirelessly to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness and the hidden causes that lead people to sleep on the streets.

“At such a difficult time for some in our borough, it is fantastic that we have seen the number of people sleeping rough on our streets fall. It is also a real reflection of the effort that goes into the life-changing work that the partnership continues to deliver for the most vulnerable members of our community.

“But we do not take this for granted and remain very aware that this is a snapshot of in time. Due to the complex issues that lead people to becoming homeless, the number of people who may be rough sleeping can change all the time. That is why, as a partnership, we are committed to continuing our individual-led approach which sees us working closely with anyone found rough sleeping to address their specific and often complex needs and support them to start a new life away from the streets.”

Anyone found sleeping on the streets across the borough will be given a warm welcome at a pop-up night shelter providing vital support during the cold winter months.

Run by a network of churches across Basingstoke and an army of volunteers, the pop-up Night Light Winter Shelter will operate from Sunday 1 December to Friday 28 February 2025 every night at different churches around the town.

The shelter will provide support and friendly company, access to support services to help secure longer-term accommodation, nutritious meals and a warm place for anyone rough sleeping. Guests will be referred via the council’s outreach provider Julian House, the Camrose Centre or directly by the council’s housing team. More information about the shelter and the roles available can be found at www.basingstoke-nlws.org

Residents and visitors who spot someone sleeping rough in the borough are asked to report this to ensure the individual gets the help and support they need at https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

The Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership has pledged to continue its innovative work to end rough sleeping in Basingstoke and Deane.

Each year the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities asks every local authority to record the number of people sleeping rough in their area in November. In Basingstoke and Deane the number of people sleeping on the streets has fallen from 26 in 2016 and was at four on the night of the count in November 2023.

The 2023 figure was submitted by members of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, which is a coalition of statutory services, commissioned housing providers, voluntary and faith-based groups and those with lived experience of rough sleeping.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “The 2023 figure reflects the ongoing challenges that we face, both locally and nationally with a cost-of-living and housing crisis and the impact these factors have on mental health and wellbeing. It is vital that we continue to drive forward with partners to continue our groundbreaking work.

“So much progress has been made since 2016 when there were 26 people recorded as rough sleeping across the borough. The latest figure shows how the partnership continues to come together to deliver an individual-led approach working with people based on their specific needs to start a new life away from the streets.

“But this is just a snapshot in time and as part of our daily monitoring, we have already seen the number of people rough sleeping in the borough fall below the figure recorded in November. This is because the number of people who may be rough sleeping can change all the time as there are so many factors that may lead to someone becoming homeless.

“Nobody should have to sleep rough in our borough and as a partnership we will continue to work tirelessly together to build on the fantastic achievements to date and end rough sleeping in Basingstoke and Deane. We will also continue to call on the government to give us the support we need to help the most vulnerable in our borough.”

Residents and visitors who spot someone sleeping rough in the borough are asked to report this to ensure the individual gets the help and support they need at https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

Support and advice to help residents deal with the impact of the rising cost-of-living is also available at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support

Basingstoke and Deane came together to raise awareness of homelessness and all of its complexities and how everyone can play their part to mark World Homeless Day.

An event, held yesterday in Festival Place (10 October), shone a spotlight on the action that everyone can take together to end homelessness, as well as raising vital funds for the Real Change not Loose Change campaign.

The pop-up event, held in the unit next to Typo, was packed with information, advice and artwork created by those who’ve experienced homelessness. It was also an opportunity for members of the public to find out about how homelessness is being tackled in the borough and a chance to get any housing questions answered.

Organisations including Home Group, Julian House, Two Saints, Citizens Advice Basingstoke and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council were among those on hand with advice and information.

Artwork created by those who have experienced homelessness, addiction and mental health issues was on display thanks to artist Corinne Marsh, who runs artWell, a not-for-profit community interest company.

The day was coordinated locally by the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP), which brings together a range of specialist, voluntary, statutory, faith and community groups all working to reduce homelessness in the borough, along with those who have themselves experienced homelessness.

Chair of the Social Inclusion Partnership and the council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Nobody in our borough should have to sleep rough and the Social Inclusion Partnership is working hard to support those who have been and are threatened with homelessness. When people think of homelessness, they often think of people sleeping on the streets but there are also the hidden homeless who may be sofa surfing and those facing eviction with nowhere to go.

“The innovative approach taken by the partnership has helped people get help to address the complex issues that have led to them rough sleeping and rebuild their lives, with the number of people sleeping on the streets falling from 26 in 2016 to two in 2022.

“This is a fantastic achievement but there is more to do and we can all play our part. Our event to mark World Homeless Day was a great opportunity to address misconceptions around homelessness and rough sleeping and show residents what they can do to help. This includes helping us raise vital funds for the reopening of the Winter Night Shelter to provide support and a warm place to sleep for anyone who may find themselves sleeping rough this winter, while the Social Inclusion Partnership works more closely with them to understand their needs.”

Jamie Glasspool, 49, knows first-hand how important accessing the right support can be.  He became homeless at the age of 16, having grown up in care, and spent most of his life in and out of prison and battling drug addiction, before turning his life around in 2020.

For the last year he has been working as a peer mentor for Outcome Home, a social enterprise which provides psychological support for those who are homeless. He spends two days a week at The Camrose Centre, a drop-in centre for anyone who is sleeping rough, homeless or vulnerably housed within Basingstoke and Deane. As a peer mentor he provides empathy, acceptance and companionship to those who need support, acting as a role model and cheerleader.

It was with the help of New Foundations community chaplaincy that he was able to break the cycle and, crucially, start to believe in himself.

Jamie, 49, explained: “The cycle of homelessness and addiction was all I’d ever known and I didn’t have the self-belief or self-worth to see a way out. The psychological support I got was what I needed to break the cycle.”

When Jamie was first approached about the possibility of becoming a peer mentor he jumped at the chance to give back.

He said: “I never visualised myself doing something like this but it really interested me. What I’ve learned is that the mental health side of things is the most important thing when it comes to making a change. If you can’t believe in yourself, then nothing else is going to work. It’s not easy – living life on life’s terms is hard – and I still have my struggles. But everything has changed for me. I had my first child last year, I have a wonderful partner and I feel like I’m giving something back.”

Yesterday’s World Homeless Day event raised money for the relaunched Real Change not Loose Change campaign, which is fundraising for the reopening of the Winter Night Shelter. The shelter provides a warm bed, a hot meal, friendly company and access to support services for anyone found sleeping on the streets.

It will reopen at venues across the borough from 1 December until the end of February 2024.  

To find out more and to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/realchangeappeal

Driving forward the delivery of affordable homes, with a focus on social rented homes, is a key pledge as part of an ambitious update to the council’s housing strategy.

Approved at a Council meeting yesterday (Thursday 19 October), the updated Housing and Homelessness Strategy sets key actions for the next four years to speed up the delivery of more social rented homes, improve the quality of homes and continue innovative work to prevent homelessness and end rough sleeping.

To kick-start a package of measures to provide more affordable homes, the council will map the land it owns that could be used to deliver more social rented homes as quickly as possible.

Regeneration is a strengthened focus of the updated strategy, setting out a vision for well-designed places that provide the right kind of homes, open spaces, facilities and infrastructure for communities. This includes supporting the council’s housing partners to progress collaborative working with residents in Winklebury, Buckskin and South Ham on the future of their communities.

Preventing homelessness and ending rough sleeping in the borough remains key, continuing the innovative and personal approach led by partners in the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership. Action to provide more support for domestic abuse victims is also high on the agenda, with the council working to get accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance.

And a green thread runs through the strategy, with the council pledging to take a look at how new homes are designed and built and how existing homes can be adapted to be more affordable for residents to run to support the council’s climate change and ecological emergency targets.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “We are in a housing crisis and know so many people in our borough are struggling so we will do everything in our power to drive forward the delivery of more affordable homes that we know people desperately need.

“Our unrelenting focus is now on prioritising the delivery of social rented housing, especially using council-owned land, and exploring how we can enable more affordable homes to be built. There are challenges ahead with the number of new affordable housing completions slowing up in the short term and we must intervene directly as a council to make a difference because it cannot simply be left to the market and planning powers. We want to do everything we can to enable and deliver the socially rented homes we know we need.

“Partnership is key to the success of our strategy, with regeneration in the borough central to our plans, working with housing partners and, crucially, residents. We will continue our vital work as part of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, which has already achieved so much, to prevent homelessness and address rough sleeping, by taking an innovative approach to tackling the issues that lead people to becoming homeless and working closely with individuals to understand their needs.”

Published December 2022

Partners across the borough have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling homelessness after the number of people sleeping rough in Basingstoke and Deane remained at the same level for the second year in a row. 

Each year the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities asks every local authority to submit the number of people sleeping rough in their area in November. In Basingstoke and Deane the number of people sleeping on the streets has consistently fallen from 26 in 2016 to zero in 2020. 

Last year two people were recorded and the number has remained the same this year, thanks to good systems being developed in the borough to help people who experience homelessness receive support so that their experience of homelessness is brief and they get the help they need quickly.

This year’s figure was agreed by members of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, which is a coalition of statutory services, commissioned housing providers, voluntary and faith-based groups and those with lived experience.

It follows Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council being awarded £653,118 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Rough Sleeper Initiative fund to continue providing specialist services to end rough sleeping on the borough’s streets by 2024. 

The funding, which will now deliver a three-year programme, will support the council’s innovative approach with partners through social inclusion partnership who have been working together since 2015 to reduce homelessness and address the causes of homelessness with a shared vision.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration Cllr Samuel Carr said: “Last year we saw a small increase in the number of people sleeping on our streets and thanks to the combined efforts of the partnership, we have prevented a further increase by developing a good system to help people who experience homelessness to find and move to housing with minimal delays. 

“Two people sleeping on our streets is still two too many and our goal is to end rough sleeping in the borough by 2024. This is an enormous challenge but the social inclusion partnership in the borough has a track record of hard work, innovation, expertise and commitment which has made a huge difference across Basingstoke and Deane and will continue to do so.

“Rough sleeping and the causes of rough sleeping are complex and it is important that, in addition to helping people into accommodation, we address the deeper issues and ensure that support is available for people looking for a life away from the streets. We continue to work closely with rough sleepers to provide the individual and tailored support that they need to come off and stay off the streets and the recent funding from government will support us in doing this.

“I would like to thank everyone who continues to work with us to build on our successes and find new solutions to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents and end rough sleeping in the borough.”

For more information on the work of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership to tackle homelessness in the borough visit www.realchangebasingstoke.org.uk or follow @realchangebas on Facebook or Twitter.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s bold and ambitious drive to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping has been given a vital funding boost by the government.

The council’s housing and social inclusion team has been awarded £653,118 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Rough Sleeper Initiative fund to continue providing specialist services to stop rough sleeping on the borough’s streets.

The funding, which will deliver a three-year programme, will support the council’s innovative approach with partners through the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership. The partnership is made up of public services, commissioned housing providers, voluntary and faith-based groups and former rough sleepers and has been working together since 2015 to reduce homelessness and address the causes of homelessness with a shared vision.

The money will go towards the council’s target to end rough sleeping in the borough by 2024 by providing:

• a specialist clinical psychologist programme supporting rough sleepers and vulnerable homeless people

• the continuation of a ‘peer mentor’ scheme which gives former homeless people with lived experience the opportunity to become support workers and advocates for rough sleepers and help shape and deliver services

• ‘navigator roles’ – support workers who help vulnerable homeless people get help and services from which they would otherwise be struggle to access

• a new Housing First scheme which provides accommodation and individually designed support services to get people off the streets.

In recent years, the council and its partners have developed a reputation nationally for their work in reducing the number of rough sleepers in the borough. In Basingstoke and Deane the number of people sleeping on the streets has consistently fallen from 26 in 2016 to zero in 2020, with two recorded in 2021. 

But the partnership is clear two people is still too many and more needs to be done to reduce this further.

The council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration Cllr Samuel Carr stated: “I am delighted that we have been successful in our bid for this vital funding which demonstrates confidence in our work to tackle rough sleeping.

“It is down to the hard work, expertise and shared commitment from our partners in the Social Inclusion Partnership, which has made a huge difference across Basingstoke and Deane.

“This additional funding will be vital in allowing us to continue developing our innovative services to tackle the deep rooted issues around rough sleeping so that we can prevent any new vulnerable people from sleeping rough and reach our target of ending rough sleeping by 2024.”

For more information on supporting the Social Inclusion Partnership to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness visit www.realchangebasingstoke.org.uk  or follow @realchangebas on Facebook or Twitter.

The Camrose Centre for the Homeless in Basingstoke will be able to open its doors on Sundays in addition to its three usual operating days, for at least the next year, thanks to a generous grant of £10,000 from the Linbury Trust.

The Linbury Trust, established by Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover KG and his wife Lady Sainsbury CBE, funds a wide variety of charitable projects including projects that improve the lives of people experiencing disadvantage and inequality. Staff at the Camrose Centre, based at Glebe Hall in central Basingstoke were delighted to hear that they had been recently chosen to receive the support of the Trust.

Mike Browning, Chair of Trustees at the Camrose commented “I am delighted to be able to say that, thanks to this donation and matched funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the Camrose will be able to open every Sunday this year, bringing much needed additional help to those most in need within our borough. It makes a huge difference to the level of support we are able to offer.”

The Camrose Centre offers a hot meal, rough sleeper food packs, showers, clothing, practical help and advice, as well as a friendly shoulder to lean on to local homeless and vulnerably housed people who need support. The Centre is open four days per week run by a small team of staff and volunteers.

25 February 2022 – arrive from 8pm

Join Julian House and others across Basingstoke and Deane by sleeping out and helping to raise vital funds and awareness for vulnerable individuals and help to help those who have been devastated by homelessness to rebuild their lives.

The Big Basingstoke Sleep-Out takes place in the grounds of May’s Bounty cricket ground. Or, if you prefer, you can take place in your own home/garden.

Last year Julian House provided life-changing support to over 1,800 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across the south west including Basingstoke and Deane. By sleeping out, and asking your friends and family to sponsor you, you’ll be helping us to support even more.

On top of everyday challenges, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the people Julian House support. They have been working hard to help support vulnerable people in Basingstoke and Deane including assertive outreach and their Community Activities Network to bring people back together.

For more information, click here

Monday 20 December to Friday 24 December – open. Please note the Popley centre will be closed on 24 December and the warehouse will be closed from 12.30pm.

Saturday 25 December – closed.

Sunday 26 December – closed.

Monday 27 December – closed.

Tuesday 28 December – closed.

Wednesday 29 December to Friday 31 December – open. Please note the Popley centre will be closed on 31 December and the warehouse will be closed from 12.30pm.

Monday 3 January – closed.

The Citizens’ Advice drop-in advisers will not be available in the Foodbank’s centres from 24 December to 3 January 2022.

The foodbank will monitor the vouchers @basingstoke.foodbank.org.uk email for any absolute emergency requests from agencies over the Christmas and New Year weekends.

Partners across the borough have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling homelessness, following a small increase in the number of rough sleepers in Basingstoke and Deane.

Each year the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities asks every local authority to submit the number of people sleeping rough in their area in November. In Basingstoke and Deane the number of people sleeping on the streets has consistently fallen from 26 in 2016 to zero in 2020, but the number recorded this year was two.

This year’s figure was agreed by members of the Social Inclusion Partnership, which is a coalition of statutory services, commissioned housing providers, voluntary and faith-based groups and those with lived experience.

The Chair of the Social Inclusion Partnership and the borough council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Housing Regeneration Cllr Tristan Robinson has said homelessness and rough sleeping is not unique to the borough and the latest figures show that work to tackle this complex issue will never stop.

Cllr Robinson added: “It is disappointing that we have seen a small increase in the number of people sleeping rough on our streets in this year’s count and two is two too many. However, I am incredibly proud of the track record of hard work, innovation, expertise and commitment from our partners in the Social Inclusion Partnership which has made a huge difference across Basingstoke and Deane despite many challenges including the pandemic.

“Rough sleeping and the causes of rough sleeping are complex and it important that, in addition to helping people into accommodation, we address the deeper issues and ensure that support is available for people looking for a life away from the streets. We continue to work closely with rough sleepers to provide the individual and tailored support that they need to come off and stay off the streets.

“I would like to thank everyone who continues to work with us to build on our successes and find new solutions to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents and end rough sleeping in the borough.”

For more information on the work of the Social Inclusion Partnership to tackle homelessness in the borough follow @realchangebas on Facebook or Twitter.

The Camrose Centre has announced its Christmas plans and special days for clients in the lead up to Christmas.

This includes:
A visit from Trilby’s on 9 December for clients to have their monthly hair cut or perhaps have a new style for Christmas, organised by the team at Julian House.

On 16 December we have A Christmas meal hosted by the Basingstoke and Deane Rotary on 16 December. This will be open to clients, staff and invited guests. All clients will receive a wrapped gift – kindly being donated by our local Morrisons, Asda and Tesco stores.
On 23 December Ro’s Café on the Go is coming with its van to provide hot drinks and snacks to the clients.

As well as the usual opening hours on Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays, the Camrose Centre will also open to clients on Sundays between 12 noon and 3pm until the end of February.

How are homeless and vulnerably housed clients supported over Christmas?
As well as the sessions at the Camrose, there are a host of volunteers from the Winter Night Light Shelter project, helping to provide help and support every day of the week during the winter months. Each of these sessions will include hot meals, games, chat and of course help and advice. While the Camrose will remain open access within the capacity of Glebe Hall, the Monday, Wednesday and Saturday sessions will be for referred guests only.

Monday evening – Glebe Hall (Night Light Winter Shelter service)
Tuesday – The Camrose Centre
Wednesday evening – The Salvation Army Hall (Night Light Winter Shelter service)
Thursday – The Camrose Centre
Friday – The Camrose Centre
Saturday lunchtime – St Michael’s Church Cottage
Sunday – The Camrose Centre

Currently, because of the small number of people in emergency accommodation the Night Shelter team is providing a hot meal service to people in emergency accommodation instead of opening premises – this may change as the season moves forward. The Night Shelter team work with referred guests only and the Camrose remains open access to all within the capacity of the hall.

Innovative plans to provide new supported living accommodation as part of a drive to tackle homelessness and the causes of homelessness in Basingstoke and Deane have been submitted by Two Saints housing association.

Two Saints run supported housing projects and support people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Hampshire and beyond. They currently manage the facility at May Place in the town centre, which is no longer fit for purpose.

Subject to planning permission, it is proposed that the new Two Saints funded facility will be built on the land at 180 Culver Road. The current derelict building on this Hampshire County Council land will be knocked down.

Designed to meet the specific needs of its residents, this new facility will provide much-needed and improved homes and 24-hour tailored support to help people start or continue their journey away from homelessness.

Alongside the tremendous partnership work of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, the homes will play a key role in supporting the borough council’s target to eradicate rough sleeping by 2024, as set out in its housing and homelessness strategy.

Residents in the neighbouring area have been contacted about the scheme and everyone with an interest has been invited to view the full plans and ask questions and input their views.

For more information visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/culver-road

During the pandemic staff and volunteers from The Camrose Centre have continued to support clients with hot food.Despite the centre being closed during the first lockdown, a temporary ‘meals on wheels’ service was set up to provide vulnerable people with access to food and other support they would usually get from the Camrose day sessions.

The meals, which included items such as sausage casserole and mashed potato followed by homemade cheesecake, were personally made and delivered by volunteers three times a week along with additional food packs, toiletries and underwear.

Centre Manager Clare Farrow said: “Our homeless clients are missing the atmosphere and care that they would normally receive when they come to the Camrose Centre. With the help of staff and volunteers, we were able to come to them during the lockdown.”

The Camrose Centre was able to reopen its doors and welcome back clients in early 2021.

New Real Change fundraising campaign to support rough sleepers make a house a home
In Basingstoke and Deane the Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP) is working together to reduce homelessness in the borough and help people move into their own accommodation.

Having a place to live and receiving the keys to a new flat is a huge step and often one that has been a long time coming for someone on their journey away from the streets and moving towards independent living. However it also presents its own challenges, with no furniture or essential items such as a bed, it can be extremely daunting.

The 2020/21 Real Change not Loose Change campaign seeks to raise vital funds to help people settle into a new home, by providing them with the necessities that we can take for granted. Making a house a home and creating a homely environment is key to helping the successful transition from being homeless or vulnerably housed in a hostel or temporary accommodation, into living in the community.

Donations received will also be used to help purchase items to create more independence for those living in supported accommodation. For some, the access to their own hot drink making facilities is an vital first step towards independent living and monies raised will allow us to purchase items to make this possible.

Furthermore, the partnership wants to assist in easing boredom and isolation, something that is very real for those who may not have lived independently before, particularly when lockdown restrictions are in place. Having access to what’s going on both locally and nationally, particularly in the current pandemic, is a lifeline.

Funds will also enable services to support clients in discovering new hobbies and skills to help them maintain their tenancies and make them part of the local community.

Donations can be made at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/realchange

The number of people sleeping on the streets in the borough has reached zero, the lowest figure in more than 10 years, thanks to the innovative approaches and joint working of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP).

Earlier in the year the borough council set an ambitious target through its housing and homelessness strategy to eradicate rough sleeping by 2024 and a recent rough sleeper count has revealed this goal has been achieved despite requirements to adjust and rethink support throughout the pandemic.

Each year the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government asks every local authority to submit the number of people sleeping rough in their area in October and November. In Basingstoke and Deane the number of people sleeping on the streets has consistently fallen over the past four years from 26 in 2016 to zero in 2020.

Click here for more info

Partnership work to prevent people from sleeping on the streets continued throughout the winter in a bid to eradicate rough sleeping in Basingstoke and Deane.

Alongside Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, partners from the Social Inclusion Partnership provided personalised tailored support in a different way as the second COVID-19 lockdown prevented churches from opening their doors as a winter night shelter.

Click here for more info

Putting down roots for three new Sovereign residents
Former homeless people in Basingstoke will benefit from shared refurbished homes as Sovereign Housing Association continues to expand its commitment to end homelessness, working alongside Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and social enterprise OutcomeHome.

Three fully furnished properties will offer secure, safe accommodation while the residents enter the next stage of their journey to maintain a home of their own.

Click here for more info

It’s a First for Housing First in Basingstoke
Sovereign Housing Association, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and homeless charity Two Saints have teamed up to provide a new way of supporting the borough’s most vulnerable people into a home.

Four people who have experienced long-term homelessness now have a place to call their own, thanks to the new Housing First partnership, with another six properties set to become available.

Additional funding has also been secured to deliver five new units and work is under way with Two Saints, Sovereign and VIVID.

Click here for more info

Even more support will be provided to help those people in the borough who have faced homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has secured £56,000 from the Government’s Next Steps Accommodation Fund to build on the successful work already taken place since the national lockdown began in March.

Click here for more info

Emergency accommodation available for rough sleepers (Thursday 27 February 2020)
It’s getting colder and we have activated our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers to access emergency accommodation.

If you are or know of somebody who is currently sleeping rough, please contact Julian House at basingstoke-outreach@julianhouse.org.uk, call 01256 322791 or speak with the council’s housing team on
01256 844844. More information can be found at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/homelessness.

Click here for more info

Emergency accommodation available for rough sleepers (Monday 10 February 2020)
It’s getting colder and we have activated our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers to access emergency accommodation.

If you are or know of somebody who is currently sleeping rough, please contact Julian House at basingstoke-outreach@julianhouse.org.uk, call 01256 322791 or speak with the council’s housing team on 01256 844844. More information can be found at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/homelessness

Click here for more info

Emergency accommodation available for rough sleepers (Friday 17 January 2020)
It’s getting colder and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers to access emergency accommodation.

If you are or know of somebody who is currently sleeping rough, please contact Julian House at basingstoke-outreach@julianhouse.org.uk, or call 01256 322791 or speak with the council’s housing team on 01256 844844. More information can be found at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/homelessness

Click here for more info

Great news on Christmas Eve! The Real Change not Loose Change fundraising campaign has hit its target a week ahead of schedule. A total of £5,236 has been raised for the Camrose Centre. The campaign encourages people to support local homelessness charities as an alternative to giving money directly to people on the streets. The Camrose Centre opens every Tuesday and Thursday providing a self service breakfast all day from 10am to 2pm plus a two course hot lunch. Clothing, toiletries and food for rough sleepers is also provided, as well as sign posting to other sources of help. On Fridays the Camrose Centre opens for homeless people only between 10am and 12.30 pm, serving brunch. Thank you all for your support.

Click here for more info

Rough sleeper number drops thanks to partnership effort
The number of people rough sleeping in Basingstoke and Deane has fallen for a third consecutive year thanks to an innovative partnership approach.

Click here for more info

Emergency accommodation available as temperatures plummet
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol for rough sleepers to get emergency accommodation. Click here for more info.

Click here for more info

Real Change project launched to boost support for homeless
Homeless and vulnerable people in the borough are set to get better access to support services with the launch of a new Real Change project.

Click here to read the article

The Real Change Not Loose Change campaign has raised over £40,000 since 2016 to help keep homeless people off the cold streets of Basingstoke and Deane.

Click here to read the article

The number of people rough sleeping in Basingstoke and Deane has fallen for a second consecutive year thanks to a joined up approach and the “tremendous effort and energy” of all the agencies, charities and volunteers to tackle homelessness in the borough.

Click here to read the article

The Camrose Centre for the Homeless and Vulnerably Housed people in Basingstoke is now serving its clients in its own right as an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Over the past 10 years, Camrose has been supported and supervised by Basingstoke Voluntary Action, of which Camrose remains a member.

Camrose continues to offer a place of shelter, hot meals, food packs, guidance on a wide range of issues and most important of all, a sympathetic listening ear to homeless and vulnerable people in Basingstoke.

“We have the support of our enthusiastic Board of Trustees, and we have recently welcomed a new Support Worker Charlotte Gruntowska to our team, enabling us to provide an even greater level of help to local homeless people” comments Clare Farrow, Centre Manager.

“We are always looking for more volunteers to help us with both client facing and back office roles. We also welcome new applications to join our Board of Trustees”.

Regular supporters of the Camrose should note the new contact details, and online donations page which can all be found on Camrose’s updated website www.thecamrosecentre.org

Get in touch if you’re facing eviction
Tenants facing eviction from their privately rented homes are urged to contact Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s housing team to receive vital support.

The suspension of evictions, due to COVID-19, was lifted at the end of August and the courts are due to start hearing cases this month (November). Anybody who has been served an eviction notice, or is expecting one, or struggling to pay their rent should seek expert advice as soon as possible.

Click here for more info