Ending rough sleeping

The number of people being forced to sleep on the streets is on the rise. At HARP, our mission is to work together with the community to ensure that no one is forced to sleep rough in Southend-on-Sea.

The life expectancy of a person sleeping rough or experiencing long-term homelessness is significantly lower than the general population – 45 for men and 43 for women. This is in extreme contrast to the general population in the UK. These alarming figures highlight the extreme risks faced by rough sleepers, including constant exposure to the elements, higher rates of physical and mental health issues, and limited access to essential healthcare services.

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How we support people sleeping rough

At HARP, our Street Outreach Team works year-round to support individuals sleeping rough in Southend, no matter the weather. Funded by Southend City Council, our team collaborates with local services to make a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.

Our goal is to engage with people on the streets and provide a bridge into accommodation. Many are navigating challenging circumstances, so we focus on compassionate support, building trust, and offering help when they’re ready. By creating a safe space for individuals to open up, we can better understand their needs.

We regularly visit known rough sleeping areas and respond to reports through StreetLink, connecting people with essential services—from emergency shelter to long-term support—and guiding them towards recovery at their own pace.

Our outreach team offers hope and practical solutions, empowering people to escape homelessness for good.

How we help people at our day centre

At our Bradbury Day Centre in Southend, we provide vital support to people verified as rough sleepers, offering them a safe, welcoming space. Since opening in 2013, the centre has been a lifeline for thousands, providing essential services like hot meals, showers, clean dry clothing, and companionship for over 50 visitors daily, 365 days a year.

Each visitor is paired with a navigator who assists them in finding housing, whether through HARP, the local council, or other agencies. Beyond immediate needs, the centre connects people with essential health and wellbeing services, including:

Southend Integrated Care for the Homeless: Primary care nurses and doctors visit up to three times a week, offering on-site healthcare.
Rough Sleeping Mental Health Team: Provides mental health support twice a week, including consultations with a psychiatrist.
City Council’s Housing Solutions Team: Offers drop-in support for housing needs.
Specialist Services: From haircuts and foot care to sexual health advice and addiction treatment through STARS, we ensure comprehensive support.
Group Work: From SMART Recovery Sessions to art, music and cooking classes through to life skills and language lessons, these programmes help boost confidence, well-being, and move people closer to recovery.

At the Bradbury Day Centre, our focus is on meeting immediate needs while empowering people to move forward on their journey out of homelessness.