Winter support services deliver positive outcomes for people experiencing rough sleeping

A range of winter support services delivered by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), in partnership with local organisations, have made a positive difference to people experiencing rough sleeping across West Northamptonshire.

Throughout the winter period, partners worked intensively to ensure people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness were offered accommodation, safety, and support into longer-term housing where possible. Initiatives included the Winter Night Shelter - delivered in partnership with Northampton Hope Centre - St John’s supported accommodation, and the activation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

The Winter Night Shelter received 39 referrals over the season, with 30 people accepted for support. Outcomes from the shelter were positive, with 13 individuals successfully moving into accommodation, supported through a combination of WNC, through the private rented sector, via Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH), and supported accommodation. The shelter played a vital role in providing immediate safety, stability and engagement opportunities during the coldest months of the year. Five people were supported on a solidarity or health-related basis despite having no immediate housing pathway, receiving essential respite, recovery time and support.

During the winter period, SWEP was activated on two occasions in response to severe weather conditions supporting over 60 people. On the busiest night, 29 people were accommodated through a combination of SWEP provision and Winter Night Shelter support, ensuring that no one was left exposed to dangerous conditions. This proactive, preventative approach continues to help West Northamptonshire maintain lower-than-average levels of homelessness and rough sleeping compared with many areas nationally.

In addition, St John’s accommodation service continues to deliver life-changing support. Since it opened in November 2025, 28 people have been accommodated at St John’s, with seven individuals moving directly from the Winter Night Shelter. Four residents have already successfully moved into other accommodation, demonstrating the importance of strong, joined-up services and wraparound support.

Former service user Emma first came to St John’s when she was facing significant life challenges and had limited confidence in her ability to move forward. With consistent support and encouragement, she began engaging in activities and building positive relationships within the centre. Today, Emma works to help and encourage others facing similar circumstances. Her journey reflects remarkable personal growth and demonstrates how the right support can empower someone not only to rebuild their own life but to positively impact the lives of others.

Thanks to the amazing support I have received from WNC and the other services. I will hopefully have my own tenancy soon and I’m confident that I can now manage a tenancy.
Knowing somebody never gave up on me was the chance I needed to change and I’ll never be able to thank them enough.Emma (former service user)

These outcomes build on the Council’s wider homelessness prevention work, including specialist accommodation services designed to reduce rough sleeping before it starts. WNC will continue working with local charities, housing providers and community partners to improve access to stable housing, strengthen support services and ensure people are treated with dignity, respect and care at every stage of their journey.

Winter can be an extremely dangerous time for people sleeping rough, so I am incredibly proud of the way our teams and partners came together to deliver safe, compassionate and effective support when it was needed most.
The outcomes we’ve seen this winter show what can be achieved through strong partnership working, early intervention and clear routes into accommodation. Stories like Emma’s highlight the real difference this support can make, not only helping someone to rebuild their own life, but empowering them to support and inspire others along the way.
While we know there is still more to do, West Northamptonshire continues to perform well compared to national averages, and we remain fully committed to reducing homelessness further and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity, respect and care.Cllr Charlie Hastie, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities

This winter has shown the power of partnership and what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose. The Winter Shelter has been a vital provision during the coldest months, when people are most at risk, and working in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council to deliver this has undoubtedly saved lives. It has provided not just warmth and safety, but a gateway into support at a time when people are most vulnerable.
Through our work at Hope and with our partners, we have been able to provide more than immediate relief - we have created real pathways off the streets and into longer-term stability. This demonstrates the critical importance of strong, coordinated partnership working. No single organisation can tackle homelessness alone, but together we can provide the joined-up support people need to rebuild their lives.
Behind every number is a person, and stories like Emma’s remind us that with the right support, people can regain confidence, find stability, and even go on to support others. This is the true impact of what we do not just responding to crisis but creating opportunities for lasting change.Joanne Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer at Northampton Hope