Around 700 people sleeping rough in England will not survive the year. In 2024, 13,231 people faced the unbearable reality of sleeping rough in London. As 63% of people sleeping rough have health conditions and 80% have mental health needs, The Connection's work can be transformative and life-saving.
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London is in a rough sleeping crisis with someone becoming homeless every 7 minutes . A lack of sleep, harsh conditions, complex needs and mistrust in services that have failed them, starting from childhood (85% have experienced abuse and/or early life trauma) means people often don’t access the support they need. To make a difference we first need to help people stay alive, warm, fed and safe while on streets and then build the trusting healing relationships needed to support recovery.
In addition to going out onto the streets and providing essential support such as food, drinks, warm clothes, bedding to people sleeping rough , The Connection Street Engagement Team take the time to build relationships with the people they work with. This trauma informed approach means people start to trust in their support worker which helps in taking the next step in their recovery, this could be coming into the centre for a shower, hot meal, health care or being supported into accommodation.
