Over the last two to three years (2021-24) there has been a sharp increase in rough sleeping across the capital and this trend has been reflected in Lambeth. In addition, there has been a similar increase in the use of temporary accommodation among single adults and families. This has been attributed to the cost of living crisis and spiraling costs in the private rented sector.
Lambeth has a rough-sleeping outreach service that goes out seven days a week to support vulnerable rough sleepers. Their aim is to find rough sleepers routes off the streets, which could include finding stable accommodation locally, or supporting them to return to other places where they have a local connection.
Lambeth Together partners are also a part of the Lambeth Integrated Health Network (IHN). This is a multi-agency partnership between Lambeth Council, South London and Maudsley NHS Hospital Trust, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Hospital Trust, Groundswell and Thames Reach. The IHN offers rough sleepers a combination of direct nursing care, psychological input, peer advocacy, outreach and substance misuse support to improve access to housing, healthcare and substance misuse services.
Find out more about the Homeless Health Programme priorities.