More than £4.5 million for rough sleepers in Dorset
BCP council has got government funding
More people, sleeping rough in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, will be able to access safe accommodation and the support they need to rebuild their lives, thanks to £4,745,732 in government funding, secured by BCP Council.
The investment will help deliver more accommodation for people experiencing rough sleeping, including supported housing and longer-term homes, for those moving towards recovery and independence. It also recognises the council's strong track record of reducing rough sleeping, preventing homelessness and supporting some of the area's most vulnerable residents.
Cabinet member for Housing and Regulatory Services, Councillor Kieron Wilson, said the investment showed confidence in the council’s ability to deliver meaningful change for residents.
He said: "Nobody should have to sleep rough and we share the government's ambition, to ensure people receive the support they need. However, ending rough sleeping is not just about responding during the Winter months, or at times of crisis. It is about working every day, to prevent homelessness before it happens and helping people build stable, independent futures.
"This funding will strengthen work already taking place across BCP. Through our Homelessness Partnership, we have shown that prevention, early intervention and strong partnership working can achieve real results."
The council's award-winning Homelessness Prevention Team has supported more than 1,500 households, achieved a 72% homelessness prevention success rate, helped deliver an 18% reduction in rough sleeping and maintained repeat homelessness rates below 5%.
Councillor Wilson added: "We also know that homelessness affects different people in different ways. Women experiencing homelessness can often remain hidden from view, while LGBTQ+ people, young people, people experiencing domestic abuse and those facing mental health or substance misuse challenges may need specialist support. This investment gives us an opportunity to continue developing services that recognise those different experiences and provide help that is tailored to individual needs.
“While safe accommodation is critical, lasting change comes from combining housing with the right support around it, whether that's health services, employment support, financial advice, recovery services or community connections. That is the approach we are committed to delivering in BCP."
The funding will support delivery of the council's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031, increasing access to both supported accommodation and longer-term housing for people with experience of rough sleeping. Alongside providing more homes, the investment will fund tailored support to help people maintain their accommodation, improve their health and wellbeing, access employment and recovery services and rebuild their lives.
The council will now work with partners, across the Homelessness Partnership, to co-design a programme of support that responds to local needs and builds on what is already working well in BCP. The funding will be used to develop practical local solutions, which help prevent rough sleeping and support long-term recovery.