What to do if you're sleeping rough and need to find somewhere to live or if you see someone sleeping rough
If you're sleeping rough
The Caring in Bristol Handbook
The Caring in Bristol Handbook can help you find information and practical advice if you're experiencing homelessness or hardship.
If you need somewhere to stay
The Outreach Team run by St Mungo's may be able to help find you somewhere to stay.
We fund St Mungo's Rough Sleeper Service. They'll talk to you and take time to understand your needs, allowing them to offer you the right support to move away from rough sleeping, whatever your circumstances.
People who are new to rough sleeping can go to a drop in at St Mungo's, 1 New Street, Bristol BS2 9DX on Mondays and Thursdays, 10am to 12noon.
- Email: bristolspot@mungos.org
- Phone: 0117 407 0330, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Out of hours, you can leave a message and they'll get back to you the next working day.
If you're aged 16 to 21
Contact Bristol Youth Maps on:
- Phone: 0117 332 7111
- Freephone 0800 035 4213, between 9am and 5pm
- Email: bristolyouthmaps@1625ip.co.uk
They'll help you return to live at home if it's safe and leave home only in a planned way.
If you need health advice or drug treatment
You can find information on our Medical help if you're homeless
Tell us about someone sleeping rough
Contact StreetLink Go to https://thestreetlink.org.uk/ (opens new window) to report someone sleeping rough
If you see someone sleeping rough, it'll help if you can tell us:
- what clothes they're wearing
- any distinguishing features that could help us identify them
- where you saw them
There's no need to approach someone you don't know to ask them about their situation.
After you tell us
StreetLink sends details of the person to our local support service, St Mungo's, who will help them find somewhere to stay and give support. We fund St Mungo's to do this.
When you tell us, you can also ask StreetLink to let you know what happens after your report.
Who you should tell us about
Tell us about anyone you see sleeping rough.
People you've seen sleeping rough for a long time
Some people have a long history of rough sleeping, are known to local services and may need longer term support to help them leave the streets.
This can include people who suffer with mental health problems or who can't access services in the area in which they're sleeping rough.
You should still tell StreetLink if you're concerned about someone. Though it may take longer for you to notice anything changing, your report will make sure they are known to homeless services.
People drinking or begging
Some people who look as if they're sleeping rough may be drinking or begging, but in fact have somewhere to stay.
It's always better to get in touch about someone you think may be rough sleeping. Streetlink can find out if they need somewhere to stay or support from other services.
Tell people about StreetLink
The more people know about StreetLink, the greater the chance people sleeping rough will be found and helped. You can make a difference by helping to spread the word.
If you have concerns about someone's health
If you're concerned about someone rough sleeping who appears unwell or in need of medical attention:
- call emergency services on 999
- advise the person to go to a hospital A&E, walk in or minor injuries unit at the nearest hospital, if they're able to make their own way there
Spread the word using social media
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