This section of the handbook sets the theoretical context of street outreach services and the factors that affect their operation.
Street outreach teams offer a valuable support service to some of the most deeply excluded people in their communities. Street outreach workers can facilitate the crucial first step from the street to independent living. This work is challenging and requires workers to be attentive, proactive and persistent to understand the individual needs of each rough sleeper. Movement in to mainstream support services is key to addressing the difficulties faced by rough sleepers and street outreach is the most direct engagement point for this. Rough sleepers are complex with individual needs, opinions, fears and desires, and good practice addresses these needs in the most supportive and appropriate ways.
Street outreach services differ in terms of structure and the ways they operate. Services work with different client groups in different areas and have different aims and methods of achieving these. However, all street outreach teams gradually build up relationships of trust and offer support to encourage the movement into positive lifestyles.
Street outreach is vital and a commitment to good practice is the best approach to make the most significant and consistent impact. This applies not only to frontline staff but also to outreach managers and local authority commissioners whose project coordination, management and policies can ensure that effective outcomes are achieved on the streets.
The environment - Highlights the environmental, physical and cultural considerations associated with rough sleeping and sets the context for all rough sleeping work.
Models and approaches to street outreach - examines the different ways that street outreach can operate.
Reconnection - details the Communities and Local Government (CLG) guidance for local authorities wishing to operate local reconnections policies for rough sleepers and ways of achieving this.
Working constructively with enforcement - discusses ways of working with enforcement approaches and agencies.