The new capacity, available nightly at The Haven Day Centre, a local charity supporting the homeless, aims to provide more people with a safe place to stay and connect with specialist assistance to transition away from street life. This initiative is part of the Council's ongoing commitment to tackling homelessness.
The Homelessness Prevention Team and Rough Sleeper Team collaborate closely with partners like The Haven Day Centre, which offers essential services including meals, hot drinks, laundry facilities, and a welcoming environment for advice and guidance. The Council conducted its annual rough sleeper count on 23 October, identifying 12 individuals sleeping rough in 2025, and aims to provide year-round support.
Members of the Rough Sleeper team conduct regular patrols across Swindon, building relationships and assisting individuals with accommodation, healthcare, financial support, and personalised housing plans. The outreach team responds to reports from the public and agencies, ensuring everyone identified as sleeping rough is offered accommodation.
The Homelessness Prevention Team also works with residents at risk of losing their homes, intervening early to resolve housing issues and prevent homelessness. This statutory duty helps secure suitable accommodation and maintain stable housing wherever possible.
“"Behind every person sleeping rough is an individual story and often a complex set of circumstances that have led them to that point. That's why it is so important that support is compassionate, practical and tailored to people's needs."
“"Preventing homelessness is just as important as responding to it. Our teams work every day with residents who are at risk of losing their home, helping them access support before they reach crisis point."
“"Whether someone is already sleeping rough or worried about becoming homeless, help is available and I'd encourage anyone who needs support, or who is concerned about somebody sleeping rough, to get in touch as soon as possible."
The enhanced support, funded by a £405,000 grant from the Government's Routes Off The Street programme, will operate throughout the year. Residents needing assistance can contact the Homelessness Prevention Team on 01793 445500 or visit their offices at Beckhampton Street, SN1 2JH. Concerns about rough sleepers can be reported via StreetLink.
