London Councils is proud to have supported the first London-wide Women’s Rough Sleeping Census.
Led by the Single Homeless Project, the Women’s Development Unit, and St Mungo’s, the census is the first of its kind on a pan-London scale and is designed to improve understanding of the extent and nature of women’s rough sleeping in the capital.
The census found 154 women rough sleeping in London in a week. This indicates a higher number of women sleeping rough in London than previously believed – and the organisers suggest it may still under-represent the true figure. Counting women sleeping rough is particularly complex as many are not in touch with support services and are more hidden than male counterparts.
With a new report on the census due out this week, boroughs are committed to working with partners across London’s homelessness sector to increase safety and improve outcomes for women sleeping rough.
Michelle Binfield, London Councils’ Rough Sleeping Programme Director, said:
“Rough sleeping is particularly dangerous for women. The census is a vital tool for helping us understand the scale of the challenge and for targeting resources for successful prevention and front-line support work.
"Boroughs are proud to be part of the pan-London partnership tackling this issue and doing everything we can to help women off the streets and into safe accommodation.”
More details on the Women’s Pan-London Rough Sleeping Census available here.