Last updated: 18 October 2024
This resource has been funded by MHCLG through the VCFS programme.
Who is this document for?
- Outreach workers
- Outreach managers
- Commissioners of outreach services
Why is it relevant?
Rough sleeping outreach services play a vital role in supporting some of the most marginalised individuals, who may struggle to access building-based services for support.
This document details the core principles required for designing and delivering rough sleeping outreach services in England. This can be used by new and existing outreach services to review policies and practices, and improve support for people who are rough sleeping.
The Principles
- Outreach services play a leading role in the contact, assessment, and support of people sleeping rough in their area.
- Interventions are timely and purposeful.
- An active engagement approach is used by staff for as long as is needed.
- Person-centred support and advocacy is provided.
- Verification is not a barrier to advice and/or support.
- The service is trauma-informed and seeks to reduce harm.
- There is close partnership working with other agencies.
- There is a focus on staff safety, wellbeing, and development.
The document below outlines these principles in more detail.
A 3-minute summary video of the principles is available below, along with a recording of our webinar to launch the principles & PowerPoint slides.
