Rural Homelessness in North Wiltshire

Generally, homeless adults in rural areas have fewer options than those in cities where a large number of statutory and voluntary services are available.

Compared with the inner cities it is much harder to ascertain the levels of homelessness in rural areas, since it tends to be much less visible.

Between the end of March 2009 and the beginning of April 2010, just under 250 individuals visited the open access drop-in sessions.

Because of its location in Chippenham and the high cost of public transport, the centre attracts very few guests from the other towns and villages in North Wiltshire and we believe that at present we are only reaching a small proportion of the single homeless population of the district.

"Staying with friends and relatives is a common homeless experience across England but appears to be most common in rural areas...Although a positive experience for some, staying with friends or relatives is typically characterised by insecurity, poor living conditions, limited privacy and restrictions on behaviour and lifestyle."

From The Countryside Agency Research Notes Issue CRN 74 December 2003

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People without a roof

Last year nearly a third of those willing to give information at first visit were sleeping rough (52 people). Compare this with the much smaller figures for rough sleeping on a nightly basis collected throughout the year which show no more than 7 rough sleepers at any time.

Sofa Surfers / Hostel Workers / B&B Guests

In common with other rural areas, single homelessness is largely an invisible problem with individuals 'sofa surfing' rather than sleeping outdoors. Our statistics show that 25% were staying with friends or family at first interview in 2009/2010. Many fell into the category of 'sofa surfers' i.e. people who have no housing security and who frequently have to move on. Homeless doesn't always mean roofless. Our statistics show only 26% of those interviewed, i.e. 44 people had secure housing at first visit.