JUST FOUR rough sleepers have been found on the streets of Tameside, according to a latest count.
The borough’s Rough Sleeper Team carried out its annual investigation into homelessness in the area on Thursday, November 24.
And only a quartet were located, more than 90 per cent fewer than when the count was first carried out in 2018.
It is a reduction of one from 2019 and 2021 but in 2020 it was declared none were located.
Across the whole of Greater Manchester, 97 rough sleepers were found on that date.
The number in Tameside is seen as a success for the authority’s Rough Sleeping Service, which works with people who are rough sleeping, homeless or at risk of homelessness.
It encourages them to come to the Town House night shelter in Ashton for a bed, hot meal, shower and support to find suitable accommodation.
It also helps address other needs such as mental health support, drug and alcohol support to assistance with applying for benefits.
Cllr John Taylor, Tameside Council’s executive member for adult social care, homelessness and inclusivity, said: “While every person sleeping rough is one person too many, I’m reassured to see that in Tameside the figure is very low.
“This is a testament to the dedicated efforts of our rough sleeper team and their community partners who work tirelessly to support people and give them tailored help for their individual needs to support them in getting into a better position for the longer term.
“This may be an annual count, but the work continues throughout the year to identify rough sleepers and encourage them to come to the Town House and receive support.”
Each year, every borough in the country carries out an Annual Rough Sleepers Count strictly in accordance with government criteria and guidance.
This snapshot provides information about the estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night each year and some basic demographics details like age, gender and nationality.
Tameside’s Rough Sleeper Service uses intelligence gathered through its day to day duties and from the general public when carrying out the local count.
It splits into several teams to search the local areas for people rough sleeping and anyone they find is offered – and encouraged to accept – support.
If you know of anyone who is or is at risk of rough sleeping in Tameside you can contact Tameside Councils Rough Sleeping Team as follows:
- Visit Tameside Housing Advice, 119-125 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside OL6 7RL
- Call: 0161 342 2700
- Download the referrals formand email to dutytorefer@tameside.gov.uk
- Out of Hours call: 0161 342 2700 (Mon–Wed 5pm to 9am, Thu 5pm to 10pm, Fri-Mon 4pm to 9am)