Beyond the Streets Endorses the Women’s Rough Sleeping Manifesto

We stand with the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census Manifesto, produced by Solace and Single Homeless Project, advocating for immediate action to address the unique needs of women experiencing rough sleeping.

It’s time for these crucial steps to be incorporated into the new Mayor’s London Plan of Action.

Let’s ensure every woman has access to safe, suitable, and sustainable housing.

Find out more about the Women’s Rough Sleeping Manifesto on the Solace Women’s Aid website: https://www.solacewomensaid.org/policy-campaigns/womens-rough-sleeping-manifesto-for-change/

The Reality of Women’s Rough Sleeping

Insecure housing is a growing crisis. We must recognize and address the specific needs of women experiencing rough sleeping. Together, we can make a difference. This is why we are endorsing this manifesto.

Understanding the Link: Rough Sleeping and the Sex Industry

Many women who we meet through our support service experience challenges around insecure housing. Structural inequalities, public policy, and vulnerabilities caused by these external pressures can push women into poverty and rough sleeping, or often women’s ‘hidden homelessness’. At Beyond the Streets, we are committed to providing support and advocating for systemic change. We know how vital it is to reduce barriers for women’s support in services, and have an extremely broad referral criteria for our Beyond Support service.

We will always support people who:

• Are women
• Who are 18 years old or over
• Who have been involved, are currently involved, or are considering involvement in the sex industry in any way (online, in-person, via dancing, escorting, sugaring…)
• Are seeking support

We don’t turn women away who are:

• Using substances
• Not currently accessing mental health services
• Not on long-acting contraception (we have no criteria regarding this, we know that some services do)

We’re determined to work together for better outcomes for women, and look forward to continue the work of the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census.  

Read more: https://beyondthestreets.org.uk/womens-rough-sleeping/