Rough Sleepers Initiative

Agreed on 15 January 2025. Updated on 15 January 2025

How can YOU support rough sleepers and beggars in Taunton?

The number of people who are homeless nationally has slowly increased over the last few years and Taunton is no exception.

You can regularly walk through the town centre and see somebody sleeping in a doorway or sat down begging which can be quite intimidating to members of the public, but what is being done to help those affected?

The RSI Team.

Rough sleeping is a dangerous and isolating experience. Prolonged periods of rough sleeping have a significant impact on an individual’s wellbeing.
The longer an individual experiences rough sleeping, the more likely they are to develop additional mental and physical health needs, substance misuse issues and have contact with the criminal justice system (collectively known as complex needs).
People experiencing rough sleeping are more likely to be victims of crime and almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence in the past year (compared to the general public).
Women are particularly vulnerable – nearly 1 in 4 have been sexually assaulted whilst rough sleeping. People with complex needs require an enhanced level of support in order to rebuild their lives and move away from rough sleeping.

How to Support

You can help with supporting the genuine homeless in Taunton by donating to OPEN DOOR.
They not only provide basics such as food showers and clothing but also support people to move on from homelessness including – support for housing, education and employment, wellbeing and life skills.
Money raised is used to ensure they can provide a rounded service that actively supports and encourages people to move on from homelessness.

If you have an immediate homelessness situation and you have nowhere safe to sleep tonight, call us urgently on 0300 123 2224.

If calling after 5pm, on a weekend or on a bank holiday, call the out of hours service on 0300 1232327.