Tell us about a rough sleeper
If you’re worried about someone who is sleeping on the streets in Redbridge, you can report it to StreetLink.
It’ll tell us about the person you’re helping. We’ll find the person and give them help to access local services and support.
Call 999 if the person needs urgent medical help or they are under 18 years old.
You’ll need to make note of:
- the person's location
- the time you saw them
- a description of them
- their presentation
Tell us about a rough sleeper via the StreetLink
Who you should tell us about
Tell us about anyone you see sleeping rough. This can include:
- people sleeping or bedding down in the open air such as on the streets, in tents, doorways, parks or bus shelters
- people staying in places that are not designed for living in, such as stairwells, sheds, car parks or cars
- people you have seen sleeping rough for a long time
Rough sleepers do not include squatters or Travellers.
The StreetLink can provide you with an update if you ask for this when you make the initial report.
If you're experiencing rough sleeping
You can call directly on 0300 500 0914 (freephone) or go onto the Streetlink website.
Someone sleeping rough looks unwell in hot weather
Hot weather can be dangerous for people sleeping rough. They can quickly become very unwell from dehydration, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
If the person is unconscious, confused, not responding, or having a seizure
Call 999 straight away. This could be heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
If the person is awake but seems unwell
You can help by:
- moving them into the shade or somewhere cooler
- giving them water if they can drink
- loosening or removing extra clothing
- cooling their skin with water or something cold if you have it
Stay with them until help arrives. If they do not get better within 30 minutes, call 999.
Signs they may be suffering from heat illness include:
- feeling dizzy
- sweating a lot
- pale or clammy skin
- fast breathing
- feeling sick
Do not assume they are asleep or drunk. Hot weather can make someone seriously ill very quickly and heatstroke can be life-threatening.
