If you see someone sleeping rough in the Marble Arch area, you can help connect them with local support services through StreetLink, a free service that connects people sleeping rough with local homelessness outreach teams. Anyone can send an alert when they see someone sleeping rough, and individuals can also self-refer for help.
Streetlink is not an outreach service or a provider of accommodation, its role is to connect individuals with local homelessness support. The service receives over 60,000 alerts each year, helping outreach teams find and support those in need.
It is important to note that Streetlink is not an emergency service. If you are concerned about someone’s immediate safety or well-being, always call 999.
Submit an Alert in 3 Simple Steps
1. Locate
Visit the StreetLink website and pinpoint the exact location where you have seen the person. Use road names, door numbers or nearby landmarks. What3Words locations are especially helpful for precision.
2. Describe
Provide details to help outreach teams identify the person:
- Clothing, sleeping bag colour, or belongings, do they have a tent or have they made some form of shelter
- Physical description (height, build, hair, distinguishing features)
- Any welfare concerns you have noticed
- When you saw them and how long they have been there
3. Submit
Send your alert directly to the local outreach team serving that area.
If you have any immediate concerns about the person’s health or safety, please contact the appropriate emergency services.
What Makes a Good Alert?
The more specific your information, the easier it is for outreach teams to find and help the person.
Location details: Include exact addresses, nearby shops or buildings, and specific entrances for parks or large spaces. Make sure your written description matches the map location. Using a What3Words reference can increase accuracy.
Person details: Describe their appearance, belongings, and any concerns about their well-being. If they have shared contact details or information about their situation with you, include this too.
Timing: Note when you saw them and whether they appear to be staying in that location regularly. Are they only there at night or are they there dueing the day too?
What Happens Next?
Once submitted, the alert is sent automatically to the local authority or outreach team. Teams will attempt to locate the person, assess their needs and offer support.
Streetlink acts as the bridge between the public and local services but does not provide accommodation or actively search for individuals.
If located, outreach teams provide ongoing assistance to help individuals move away from rough sleeping. Progress is not always immediate. Moving someone out of rough sleeping is complex and often takes weeks or months. Outreach teams work to build trust, assess needs, and connect people with housing, health services, and other support. If the person continues to sleep rough, outreach teams are likely still working with them.
If you have provided your email and opted in for updates, StreetLink will send you basic information when it becomes available. Updates can take up to two weeks to receive. However, they cannot share specific details about the individual or actions taken due to privacy rules.
Please note, outreach teams spend most of their time on the streets looking for individuals, and it may take several attempts to locate the person you have alerted them about.
Creating an Alert - Step by Step
- Go to the Streetlink website
- Click “Help someone sleeping rough”
- Follow the steps to Locate, Describe, and Submit.
- Provide as much detail as possible to ensure outreach teams can act quickly.
Remember, every alert matters. Without reports from the public, many people would remain without the support they need. Your few minutes could make a real difference to someone’s life.
