HELPING THE HOMELESS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Most people have within them an inherent desire to help those in need in a tangible way In these days, when the sight of a person sleeping in a doorway is fairly common, our natural instinct is to act. 

But what if your act of kindness prevented them from getting the assistance and support which is available to them through professional agencies? Would this make you think again before you hand over your cash?

 

What help is on offer?

Local councils, homelessness organisations and the police are actively working to deal with the complex issues faced by each person that is rough sleeping.

Outreach workers are out regularly assessing their needs and looking at ways we can get them off the streets and access the support they need including:

  • services provided by local council/organisations
  • local authority housing group/charities
  • food banks to provide emergency supplies

CHESS Homeless seeks to ensure that people who find themselves homeless are supported in ways that enable them to move forward purposefully and in good health#

In most districts there are agencies that work with individuals to provide solutions.  This could be:

  • supported housing which could provide longer term accommodation
  • hot nutritious meals and temporary accommodation, showers & laundry facilities
  • access to mental health and wellbeing courses
  • access to housing benefit services
  • training to assist with future employment
  • alcohol & substance abuse prevention/solutions

What Can You Do?

ALERT AN OUTREACH TEAM : If you are worried about someone you have seen sleeping rough you can make a referral via www.thestreetlink.org.uk. This will alert an Outreach Team who will visit them to assess their needs, provide warm clothes, snacks and drinks, and in some cases offer temporary accommodation.
CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITY (Housing) : They will try and provide emergency accommodation if available.
CHAT : Buy them a hot drink and stop for a chat if you feel comfortable doing so. You may be able to direct them to a service that can help.
VOLUNTEER : CHESS relies on the support of dedicated supporters and volunteers. There are roles to suit everyone, visit www.chesshomeless.org/volunteer to find out more about the roles and apply.
BE KIND : Remember every human being has a story and sometimes a kind word is worth more than some loose change.
DONATE : Make a donation of your spare change to CHESS or other homeless chartities which specifically help people in your local community.  If you would like to make a donation to CHESS visit us at www.chesshomeless.org/donate or use this qr code.

HELPFUL NUMBERS

ALERT STREETLINK

0300 500 0914

www.thestreetlink.org.uk

Use the Streetlink App

MAKE A REFERRAL TO CHESS HOMELESS

tel: 01245 281104

web: www.chesshomeless.org

add: 200 New London Rd, CM2 9AB

BRENTWOOD DISTRICT COUNCIL (Housing)

tel: 01277 224528 (emergency out of hours)

web: www.brentwood.gov.uk/housing

email:  housingneeds@brentwood.gov.uk

BRENTWOOD FOODBANK (Trussel Trust)

tel: 01277 224528

web: www.brentwood.foodbank.org.uk

email: info@brentwood.foodbank.org.uk

PEABODY FLOATING SUPPORT

Doddinghurst Com. Church, 56/60 Doddinghurst Rd, CM15 9EH

Drop-in: Weds 10am – 2pm

web: www.brentwood.essexfrontline.org.uk