There are a lot of misconceptions about rough sleepers and how the council and our partners help them.
As part of World Homeless Day, on 10 October, we tackle some of the myths and misconceptions about the topic.
Myth: All rough sleepers are the same
Truth: There is no stereotypical rough sleeper. We’ve seen professionals/office workers who sleep in cars, where you would have no idea they were sleeping rough.
The buffer between a typical household and homelessness is alarmingly thin. On average people can only afford to pay their rent or mortgage for less than three months if they lost their job.
Myth: There is no help for rough sleepers in Peterborough
Truth: There is a whole host of help from Peterborough City Council, working alongside health organisations, charities and other partners, for rough sleepers in the city.
More information on all of these can be found here: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/housing/rough-sleeping/rough-sleeper-support-services
or
https://saferoffthestreets.co.uk
Myth: Many people are sleeping rough in the city centre and we never see anyone from the council with them or helping them.
Truth: Outreach officers are often out when people are at home tucked up in bed!
Rough sleeping does not happen between the hours of 9-5 when businesses are open. Also, we are not conspicuous and often sit with people unnoticed – we do not always wear uniforms!
Myth: Rough sleepers always accept help
Truth: Not every rough sleeper is ready to accept help straight away, and there are many reasons for this.
Some individuals face deep-rooted challenges such as addiction or complex mental health needs, which can make it difficult for them to envision a change in their circumstances—regardless of how others may perceive their situation. For some, the idea of living within four walls or adhering to rules and routines simply doesn’t feel right for them at that moment.
It is their choice; while they might refuse help today, they might accept help tomorrow, or in a few weeks or months. We cannot force someone to come in and we have to be respectful of their choices. That’s why it is so important our outreach team is assertive and persistent!
Myth: During Covid everyone was helped off the streets, including rough sleepers – why can’t we do this now?
Truth: It was a different time and this action was take to reduce the spread of the virus and keep people safe. We can still help rough sleepers and there is off the streets accommodation available. Every rough sleeper has a Streets to Home Pathway which is built around their needs and wants. However, as in the previous answer, we cannot force them.
Myth: Why do refugees or asylum seekers get preferential treatment over rough sleepers?
Truth: They don’t, and they are two completely different cohorts of people, assisted by different teams.
The council’s outreach team helps rough sleepers while the Home Office is responsible for accommodating asylum seekers until a decision is made on their asylum claim. These are mainly in hotels which the Government has said will gradually close over the next 2-3 years. If an asylum seeker is granted refugee status, the council will help them to find private rented accommodation. Refugees do not have any priority for receiving social housing over any other community.
There are other refugees who have been legally resettled, for example Ukrainians and Afghans, who the council does support to find housing through a dedicated government programme. Our Communities team takes the lead on this.
Myth: Some rough sleepers are refused help
Truth: We never refuse to help rough sleepers. If someone does not want help at the time we speak to them, we will continue to try.
Myth: Every beggar is a rough sleeper
Truth: Not necessarily, and often they are professional beggars who have accommodation, and can sometimes make very good money. It may sometimes be difficult for members of the public to differentiate, but largely we know those who are genuinely rough sleepers.
If you want to support rough sleepers financially, we would strongly encourage you to donate to Safer Off the Streets - find out more here (insert SOS website).
Myth: Why does SWEP only happen in freezing weather?
Truth: SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Provision) is a policy implemented by local authorities to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers during periods of all severe weather.
It is not just for freezing temperatures, but can also be put into practice in high heat, winds, rain – it covers any severe conditions, as led by the MET Office and is implemented to prevent loss of life in these situations.