New government statics published today show that on the single night count those who were found rough sleeping in Hull were eight fewer than in 2023, a reduction from 39 to 31.
Acknowledging the reduction, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communications and Communities Cllr Jack Haines said, “Whilst we welcome that fewer people were sleeping outside than in 2023, we recognise that that the figures will fluctuate over the entire year and are affected by people’s individual circumstances and experiences.
“As a council we want a city with strong and welcoming communities where people can feel safe and know that their basic needs will be met.”
Hull City Council is committed to working towards eradicating rough sleeping in the city through its Changing Futures programme. This programme has the support of Government and Lottery funding to transform the way that public sector and voluntary sector bodies work, with staff from different organisations being co-located and working as an integrated team to help people experiencing a wide range of disadvantages. While there has been an increase in those experiencing homelessness the team work daily to support those who are rough sleeping to move into accommodation.
The organisations working within Hull City Council Changing Futures Partnership include: NHS, Humberside Police, Department of Work and Pensions, Probation, Modality, Change Grow Live,, Forum plus accommodation providers and other organisations.
An essential part of Changing Futures’ work is multi-agency outreach. Hull City Council commissioned Change, Grow, Live to provide the rough sleeper outreach team who provide support in conjunction with the Changing Futures team.
Many of the people with whom Changing Futures work have experienced some form of trauma resulting in them needing to them needing help with a range of problems which have not been met by traditional approaches. Changing Futures provides a single point of access to organisations which can help with homelessness, including forms of hidden homelessness; harmful use of drugs and alcohol, such as dependence or addiction; poor physical and mental health; contact with the criminal justice system and domestic abusive relationships.
Since Changing Futures was established in the city in 2023, and since then it has supported around 500 people.
One volunteer (who wishes to remain anonymous) who has lived experience of life on the streets before he engaged with Changing Futures said. “I like to go out with the outreach team to encourage people out there to come and talk to us so we can tell them how we can help.”
The Change Futures team has recently moved to bespoke premises in Beverley Road, Hull which will be opened formally on Friday 7 March.
