Overview

Thames Reach’s London Street Rescue service operates across seven London boroughs and helps those who are sleeping rough to find routes away from the street.  The team receive the majority of their referrals from Thames Reach’s Rapid Response Team, who is out every night of the year.

London Street Rescue works flexibly to reach London’s most vulnerable. The work starts with an assessment to identify any support needs.  The team can help to obtain identification documents, including those with no recourse to public funds, apply for welfare benefits, open a bank account, give advice, and signpost to other services while exploring appropriate accommodation options.

Poor mental and physical health and drug and alcohol problems are common, so many rough sleepers are also helped to access health services.

Some rough sleepers may initially refuse an offer of help but a key part of the Thames Reach ethos is that we never give up on people, and so the service works with individuals for as long as it takes to get them somewhere safe and warm.

If you see someone sleeping rough in London (including Lambeth or Southwark), you can make a referral via the StreetLink website, and services such as London Street Rescue will go out to help the individual. To refer yourself, or to refer someone sleeping rough, contact Streetlink, either phone 0300 500 0914 or go to their website www.streetlink.org.uk.

Local Housing Options Teams.  During the day you can approach your local Council Homeless Options Team. Contact your local authority for the telephone number and opening hours.  Outside office hours, use these emergency numbers: Lambeth 020 7926 1000,  Southwark 020 7525 5000.