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StreetLink Service Offering Support To Island's Rough Sleepers This Winter

People worried about the welfare of rough sleepers on the Island can use an app or website to get them help.

The Isle of Wight Council has signed up to the national StreetLink service which allows people to report concerns using an app or the StreetLink website.

Reports trigger notifications to a specialist outreach team commissioned by the council to offer support and look at the options available to help people who are sleeping rough.

People making reports also get an update on the situation, so they can be reassured that help has been offered.

Homeless people can also use the app or website to trigger the help process.

Cllr Ian Stephens, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing provision and housing needs, said:

"Shocking figures released by the Office of National Statistics in 2021 show there were an estimated 688 deaths of homeless people in England and Wales.

"It can be difficult for the public to know where best to go to get support for the homeless, and using StreetLink hopefully means we can cut out confusion and connect people sleeping rough to local services."

Islanders can send StreetLink an alert about someone sleeping rough via the website, the mobile StreetLink app or by calling 0300 500 0914.

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