Birmingham organisations unite to launch ‘Indoors Campaign’ to help long-term rough sleepers
Organisations and agencies across Birmingham are uniting to offer beds and support to long-term rough sleepers as part of the Indoors Campaign.
Starting on 29 September, the Indoors Campaign will bring around 20 different organisations from across Birmingham to participate in an intensive two-week operation aimed at engaging long-term rough sleepers in the city.
The council has brought together partners from the supported exempt sector, faith groups, the voluntary sector, and the health sector, to work on the campaign with statutory and commissioned rough sleepers support provided in Birmingham.
By pooling resources and organisations during the campaign, the aim is to ensure support is in place to maximise the chance that someone who has been rough sleeping stays in accommodation once the campaign ends.
Cllr Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said:
"The Indoors Campaign aims to break the cycle of rough sleeping for those who have been sleeping rough for an extended period. Our aim is to make sure that when people move indoors, they stay indoors.
“To achieve this aim, we have been talking with people with lived experience over the summer and have listened to their stories. This has helped us to understand the barriers that need to be broken and the support needed to help long-term rough sleepers into sustained accommodation.
“By bringing in partners from across Birmingham, we are going to be better able to respond to rough sleepers' needs in a planned and targeted way.
“We will be monitoring how this goes, and if successful, we will consider running the campaign on an annual basis.
"I would like to express my gratitude to all the agencies involved, as well as those with lived experience who have helped us to shape this campaign."
Cllr Nicky Brennan, added:
"As the cold nights draw in, we want to make clear that no one needs to sleep rough in Birmingham. Throughout the year, there is a bed for anyone who wants one.
"We have robust measures in place all year round to provide support for anyone who sadly finds themselves sleeping rough.
"If you see someone sleeping rough at any time of the year, please notify us on Street Link, and one of our dedicated outreach workers will make contact with them.
"We will continue to prioritise securing funding for rough sleepers in Birmingham while working alongside charities, volunteer groups, faith groups and other agencies to make sure there is the support needed for anyone sleeping on the streets."
