New poster campaign to get public to help identify Ryedale’s rough sleepers

Local people in Ryedale are being asked to help rough sleepers in the district by reporting their location.

In the past two years, Ryedale District Council has been made aware of 100 people who were at risk – sleeping in cars, tents, in the woods, or in doorways.

Due to the financial impact COVID-19 has had on many people across the UK, the council is now urging any citizen who spots a person sleeping rough to get in touch by reporting their location. That way, the team of dedicated officers brought in to tackle homelessness can give the person the help they need.

Posters with details of how to report rough sleepers are being put up across the district and Ryedale District Council’s housing team are working with partner agencies including North Yorkshire Police to help those in need.

Margaret Wallace, Head of Customer Services and Communities for Ryedale District Housing said: “Rough sleeping in Ryedale is a hidden issue as the district covers such a large area and it is rare to see people sleeping in doorways.

“Now, with the effects of the pandemic, we’re working with people who have lost their jobs and are resorting to rough sleeping.

“It’s an issue we need to tackle, so that the rough sleeper can get the help they need. We’re calling on shopkeepers, the community and individual citizens to report the location of rough sleepers if they see them in Ryedale.”

Anyone who sees a rough sleeper in Ryedale can report their location by calling 01653 600666 or by emailing [email protected]