Buildings Based Services FAQs

How do you ensure services are targeted solely at rough sleepers?

To be entered onto the CHAIN database (a prerequisite to access for some hostels), a rough sleeper must be seen bedded down by an outreach worker. Through verification and high quality need assessment by staff operating from building based services, services will be maintained for those people with an appropriate level of need and history of rough sleeping.

Do services within buildings attract people to Westminster?

Building Based Services may initially attract a proportion of people to Westminster, but crucially the initial triage service, followed by assessment and verification, ensures that rough sleepers' services are gate-kept for appropriate clients. These will be those with an appropriate level of need and history of rough sleeping, and this message will be spread.

The Building Based Services workers attempt wherever possible to reconnect people to appropriate services in their home area.

What happens when the buildings close - will the rough sleepers just end up back on the streets?

For new rough sleepers the emphasis is on rapid assessment within 24 hours, reconnecting them to services in their home area as the first response. Two night centres and an assessment centre operate in Westminster for short stays whilst this reconnection work takes place.

What is wrong with tried and tested outreach services?

Westminster commissioned an independent report which looked at all the options. This report set out BBS as the next logical step following on from the RIT phase. The RIT phase was always intended to be time limited with a clear end point.

Aren't you trying to get unqualified signposters to do the work of professional outreach staff?

No. Signposters have a limited role for which appropriate training is provided. They will not be undertaking outreach work. However, making sure these staff on the street have good knowledge about rough sleepers services makes good sense in the provision of joined-up services corporately.

What about vulnerable rough sleepers who find buildings like day centres unsuitable, or chaotic people who are barred from buildings?

The extended opening hours allow for dedicated smaller scale sessions to target groups such as vulnerable long term entrenched rough sleepers or people who are repeatedly barred from services. There will be a safety on the streets for the few people unwilling to use day centres, night centres and hostels.

What about A8 nationals who are sleeping rough?

Westminster has made a successful Invest to Save bid and secured funding from the Home Office to identify solutions and assistance for this group of people who are not traditional rough sleepers, and who have no access to state funds if they are without employment or accommodation.

What about the lack of hostel vacancies?

Hostel spaces are only one option available for people on the streets. Some people will be encouraged to return to their home base and make use of mediation services, where appropriate, to rebuild relationships with their family. Following Westminster's hostel review the City Council is intent on establishing more effective pathways through the hostel system and freeing up more bedspaces for Westminster's rough sleepers.

For further information contact: areeves1@westminster.gov.uk

Tel: 020 7641 2254.