Council to complete census to help shape support for female rough sleepers

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will take part in the national Women’s Rough Sleeping Census for the first time this year, helping to build a clearer understanding of women’s experiences of homelessness and shape specialist support across the area.

The census, taking place from 21 to 27 September 2026, is led by the Single Homeless Project and Solace Women’s Aid, alongside Crisis and Change Grow Live. Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged by the Government as part of its ambition to end homelessness, with more than 100 local authorities taking part last year.

WNC will work with statutory and voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations that support women who are sleeping rough, at risk of rough sleeping or experiencing other forms of homelessness. Partners include Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Northampton Hope Centre, C2C Social Action, Eve and the Sunflower Centre/Voice.

The initiative aims to address gaps in traditional rough sleeping counts, which can overlook women experiencing homelessness because they are less likely to sleep visibly on the streets. Instead, many move between unsafe accommodation, stay with strangers or make nightly decisions based on where they feel safest.

It is estimated that between 40 and 50 women in West Northamptonshire are currently experiencing rough sleeping or associated street-based vulnerability, including women involved in street-based sex work. The census will help build a more accurate picture of the scale and nature of women’s homelessness locally.

During census week, women will be invited to complete a short voluntary survey about their experiences. The information gathered will contribute to national research and help local services better understand needs and improve support. Drop-in sessions and dedicated support opportunities will be available throughout the week, and participants will receive a £10 voucher and a small self-care package as a thank you for their time.

Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We know that women often experience rough sleeping very differently to men. Many women take steps to remain hidden because sleeping visibly on the streets can place them at increased risk of violence, exploitation and abuse.

“By taking part in the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census for the first time, we can gain a much clearer picture of women’s experiences in West Northamptonshire and identify where support services need to be strengthened. Working alongside our valued partners and women with lived experience will help ensure future services better meet the needs of this often-overlooked group.”

The findings will help inform the development of WNC’s new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and support delivery of the countywide Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030. By improving understanding of women’s experiences of rough sleeping, partners can identify opportunities for earlier intervention, targeted support and safer pathways out of homelessness.

Gemma Kay, Women at Risk Recovery Worker at Inspire Northants, said: "The census is extremely important to our service, as there are a number of females sleeping rough who remain uncounted. 

“This will enable us to target areas where these women are known to be sleeping and ensure they are accessing the full range of support available from different services. By working together, services can help ensure that these women feel safe, heard, and supported, while demonstrating that we genuinely care about their wellbeing."