Rough Sleepers and Begging

People who are rough sleeping are very vulnerable.  It is important they have access to healthcare and will need support.  For this reason, it is important to offer compassion and help.

If you see a rough sleeper - contact Streetlink.

Begging, which is a distinct issue from rough sleeping, presents a unique challenge. Very often someone begging can create a negative image by increasing perceptions of crime and making people feel less safe.

Take action, if there are people begging outside or inside in the first instance ask the person politely and firmly to leave. If the person does not leave, call the police on 101.

Encourage guests and staff not to give money to people begging. Donating to homelessness, mental health, substance misuse or anti-poverty charities is a more effective way of helping people. 

If you want to give something to people who are street homeless, you can offer them food or a drink.