Wareham | Posted on March 4th, 2026 | return to news

Drop in rough sleeping across Dorset

Across the country there has been an increase in rough sleeping, but this is not the case in Dorset, which has seen a reduction.

Despite an 11 per cent rise across the South West, the number of people who were rough sleeping in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area dropped last year from 63 in 2024 to 53 in 2025, including a 16 per cent reduction in long-term rough sleeping.

To help build on this progress, BCP Council has been awarded £125,000 through the Long Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme (LTRSIP). One of 28 locations nationally, the funding will support local services to test new approaches, strengthen prevention work and deepen collaboration with community partners. It will also help ensure support is shaped by the needs and experiences of people who have spent the longest time on the streets.

This new programme sits alongside the previously confirmed £2m three-year Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant (RSPARG), creating opportunities to expand early intervention and deliver system-wide change.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, Cabinet member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Every time someone comes off the streets, it’s a step toward safety and stability. I’m proud of the difference our outreach teams, partners, charities and community groups are making across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The reduction we’ve seen over the last year is important; behind those figures are real individuals whose lives have changed for the better.

“This new funding will help us strengthen support — working earlier, innovatively, and in partnership, with services being shaped around what people need and by those who know what is needed. We know there is always more to do, and this money will go toward carrying on the positive progress.”

BCP Council will now work with the Homelessness Partnership and wider voluntary, faith and community organisations.

In the Dorset Council area, 14 people were recorded as sleeping rough in 2025 compared to 14 the previous year.

Weymouth continues to see the highest concentration of people sleeping rough, though smaller numbers are found in Wimborne, Bridport, Dorchester and Swanage.

Dorset Council receives funding from the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant (RSPARG), which supports 10 commissioned services and several internal posts. This funding helps provide a coordinated approach to tackling homelessness across the county.

Key partners include Julian House, The Lantern Trust, Shelter, The Bus Shelter and Citizens Advice.

Julian House delivers assertive outreach six days a week, a Navigator service to support people’s transition into stable accommodation, and supported housing at Roundhayes in Weymouth.

The Lantern Trust provides supported lettings, landlord engagement, and personalised education, training and employment support.

Shelter works intensively with individuals who have complex needs.

The Bus Shelter offers 24/7 supported accommodation for up to 12 people.

Citizens Advice provides specialist advice at the Lantern Hub in Weymouth, helping residents manage housing costs, tackle debt and retain accommodation.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Cabinet portfolio lead for Housing and Health, said: “Our providers do an amazing job in helping tackle rough sleeping. We work closely with partners to put support and accommodation in place wherever we can.”

The council continues to invest in homelessness prevention services, including its Housing Advice helpline, which offers early intervention to help people avoid reaching crisis point. Dorset Council is working with Citizens Advice and Shelter to offer free, confidential support to anyone paying rent or a mortgage, as well as those facing relationship breakdowns or worrying about their accommodation.

Residents are encouraged to seek help early. For information, guidance or support, call Dorset Council’s Housing Advice helpline on 01305 221000.