‘Local services are vital’: Former rough sleepers on what helped them off the streets

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Who published it, and when

How it spread - 2 original reports

1. Mon, 26 October 2026

   1 report
   • The Guardian World17:02first to report
     ‘Local services are vital’: Former rough sleepers on what helped them off the streets

     As Andy Burnham hosts a rough sleeper summit, frustration mounts over ‘ridiculous bureaucracy’ and lack of hostel places Martin Fletcher had been homeless for more than 20 years after being made redundant before he finally got accommodation in Sunderland in 2024. What was the one thing that finally ended his rough sleeping and sofa surfing? “My mindset, mainly,” the 61-year-old said. “The realisation that I was getting old and I couldn’t live like this for ever. And also help from a charity who...

2. Sat, 7 November 2026

   1 report
   • The Guardian World07:00
     Early release prisoners facing street homelessness, probation staff warn

     Charities say situation exposes ‘fatal flaw’ in Andy Burnham’s plan to end rough sleeping in England by Christmas In just four days James is facing the prospect of sleeping on the street. He was released from prison in August and given temporary probation accommodation in Somerset, but that is about to expire and he has nowhere to go. “It is scary,” the 37-year-old said. “I am not asking for special treatment. But literally nowhere wants to help – I have contacted MPs, solicitors, probation and...