Following the success of pilot programmes to help rough sleepers at Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly stations, Network Rail station has extended the services to Charing Cross and Victoria stations in London.
If Network Rail station staff find anyone sleeping rough at these stations, they will refer them to Shelter who will provide them with tailored help and support.
That includes helping them to access key services such as registering with a GP, mental health support, setting up a bank account, or helping to find suitable accommodation.
Many people have been living on the streets for a long time, so these interventions by Network Rail's outreach colleagues are the first stage in helping rough sleepers to secure permanent accommodation and life-changing support.
A key worker will be allocated to every person who uses the service, and they will support those who are referred to them to move away from sleeping rough.
To provide extra support, Shelter will also work alongside local charities that have specialist experience in Westminster. These are The Passage at Victoria station and The Connection at St Martin's at Charing Cross station.
Network Rail has a five-year campaign ‘Routes out of Homelessness', and working with Shelter forms part of that project. For further information about the campaign visit: networkrail.co.uk/rooh
Hannah Lawrence, Network Rail's interim station manager at London Victoria station, said: “We're really pleased to be a part of this vital service that will help people find a route out of homelessness.
“Our day-to-day jobs mostly focus on helping passengers, but we also look out for people who are vulnerable and seek refuge in and outside our stations. By training our teams and partnering with experts at Shelter, we hope to be able to make a real difference and reduce the number of people sleeping rough in London.”
Connie Cullen, head of community services at Shelter, said: “We know from experience the difference it can make, to have someone reach out when you've nowhere else to turn. That first “hello” can change someone's life forever. Anyone can become homeless, and everyone has a different story, which is why we tailor our approach to each person, putting their needs at the heart of our support.
“The pilots in Birmingham and Manchester showed us what's possible when we all come together. We're delighted to continue this work and to partner with others in the sector, to help people find a way off the streets, ensuring no-one faces homelessness alone.”
Jenny Travassos, director of services and new development at The Passage, said: “The Passage has been supporting people who are homeless in and around Westminster for over 40 years. We're really pleased to be working collaboratively with Shelter, Network Rail, and other partners to expand our specialist Outreach Service and ensure that many more people receive the help that they need. With our Resource Centre being located just a few minutes from Victoria Station, we are well-placed to offer a rapid response to those sleeping rough and provide practical solutions that help people to find sustainable routes away from homelessness.”
Tilly Scott, street engagement team manager at The Connection at St. Martin's, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Shelter and Network Rail to provide much-needed support for people sleeping rough in Charing Cross station. Our teams are local experts and it's great to have this joined-up approach enabling us to do this vital work together.”
