Help for Rough Sleepers
We want to find rough sleepers a safe place to sleep and help them build a life away from the streets.
Are you sleeping rough or worried about someone who is?
StreetLink
You can help or get help for yourself by making an alert to StreetLink.
StreetLink is an online platform that connects people sleeping rough to local authorities and outreach teams to access the support they need. This includes anyone who is sleeping outside, preparing to bed down, or sleeping somewhere not designed for habitation, such as a car.
How does StreetLink work?
Alerting local authorities to someone sleeping rough via StreetLink is quick and easy and can be done in 3 simple steps:
1. Locate
Using the online map provided by StreetLink simply pinpoint a specific location where you have seen the person sleeping rough and include a written description of the location.
2. Describe
Provide details on the time the person was sleeping rough at the location and any further information about their appearance that can help identify them e.g. “A tall, slim man with light skin and a tattoo on his left arm. He is wearing a blue jacket, faded black jeans, dark trainers and carrying a grey backpack and red sleeping bag.”
3. Submit
Once submitted, your alert is automatically sent to our outreach team. The team will then attempt to locate the individual, assess their needs, and offer appropriate support services with the aim of ending their homelessness. You can request to receive an update on your alert within 10 working days.
Call 999 if you or the person you are making an alert about are in immediate danger, need medical assistance, are under 18 or are with someone who is under 18.
Alternatively, you can report your concerns by emailing homelessteam@lancaster.gov.uk or calling our customer services centre on 01524 582257
Emergency accommodation during periods of severe weather
In periods of severe weather, we will trigger the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency accommodation placements for anyone who is verified as rough sleeping.
Anyone finding themselves needing emergency accommodation during periods of severe weather should call us immediately.
- During office hours call 01524 582257 or call in to our customer service centres at Lancaster or Morecambe Town Hall (please note that the centres are open Monday to Friday, from 9am until 4.30pm)
- In an emergency, at weekends, and when the office is closed, call 01524 67099
Street Aid
Lancaster District Street Aid helps former rough sleepers stay off the streets for good by funding essential and useful items which help people maintain tenancies and improve their lives.
By supporting Street Aid, local people have a cashless way of making a real change and as an alternative to offering money on the street – which is often used to feed drug or alcohol dependency even among those in supported housing with specialist health services.
As well as online donations, you can give £3 now by texting STREET to 70450 (texts cost £3 plus your standard network message rate) or using contactless terminals located in both Morecambe and Lancaster
Last updated: 27 June 2025