Local charity worker who was once homeless calls for more mental health support for rough sleepers
Women's Census tells us there are 51 women sleeping rough in Oxfordshire
An Oxfordshire charity worker with lived experience of homelessness says more specialist mental health support is needed for women sleeping rough, warning that many are dealing with severe trauma before they ever end up on the streets.
Carli Flory's comments come after the latest Women's Census found 51 women were sleeping rough in the county, compared with the Government’s rough sleeping snapshot, which estimated there were just six.
She said the figures reflect what she sees daily through her work supporting women at Homeless Oxfordshire.
"A few years ago, there were very few women within our service and that has doubled," she said.
"I think people at the top need to invest more in services, especially mental health services."
Trauma before homelessness
Carli said many of the women supported by the service have suffered domestic abuse, sexual violence and exploitation before becoming homeless.
"They’ve been through so much trauma before they’ve actually hit the street," she said.
"Most of the women have issues with alcohol and substance misuse and that is really to block out their trauma. Nobody wants to be a drug addict. It’s just a really vicious cycle."
She added that many women face barriers when trying to access support through statutory services because of substance use.
"When they go to the hospital, they feel that people don't take them seriously. They don't get the care that they need," Carli said.
Women ‘not visible’ on the streets
The Women's Census, carried out by homelessness charities, aims to provide a more accurate picture of female rough sleeping.
Carli believes many women are hidden from official figures because of where they are forced to go in order to stay safe.
"They sleep in places like hospitals, McDonald’s, bus stations, anywhere that’s open 24 hours. I’ve known people stay on buses all night," she said.
"They try and hide themselves. A lot of women we work with have sofa surfed where they stay in unsafe places."
She said women sleeping rough are also at significant risk of violence and exploitation.
"We’ve had women come into our service who have experienced human trafficking," she said.
"They’ve been robbed, had nowhere to go and been in violent relationships.
"It is horrible what some ladies go through and it’s really upsetting to see the amount of women out there suffering from that."
Calls for more specialist support
Homeless Oxfordshire recently expanded its dedicated Women’s Project with the opening of a new eight-bedroom property in Oxford designed specifically for women experiencing homelessness.
The service provides accommodation alongside structured activities, one-to-one support and access to specialist services.
"You can’t work with these women without trust," Carli said.
"The women feel really safe here. We build relationships with them and then we can offer person-centred support."
She added more specialist services are needed across the county, alongside better access to mental health care and rehabilitation support.
Minister responds to our investigation
Earlier this week, Greatest Hits Radio published its Women Don’t Count investigation, which explored hidden female homelessness in Oxfordshire, including the story of a woman who lived in a disabled toilet after fleeing an abusive relationship.
Responding to the findings, Housing and Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said: "That is heartbreaking, utterly heartbreaking.
"I think women in particular will listen to that and understand that experience of just being desperate to be safe."
The minister also backed calls for better data on female homelessness and encouraged more councils to take part in the Women’s Census.
"The evidence is incredibly important," she said.
"The fact is we need more evidence and insights here so I’ll be working with Solace on that."
She added that government strategies on homelessness, violence against women and girls, and child poverty would help address the root causes.
"We have to make sure there’s help for women who’ve been abused and help that puts a roof over their head in a safe way," she said.
‘Building trust’ with women on the streets
Carli said reducing female rough sleeping will require more tailored outreach and trust-building with women on the streets.
"We need people out there targeting the women, befriending them while they’re on the street and working really hard to get them into accommodation," she said.
Drawing on her own lived experience of homelessness and addiction, Carli said recovery and stability are possible with the right support at the right time.
"When I was in addiction, I never thought I’d be here ever," she said.
"It's all about timing. You've got to get these girls when they really want to change."