Women rough sleeping set to receive more help

Women-only accommodation for those experiencing or at risk of rough sleeping is set to open in Rotherham.

Rotherham Council's Cabinet will be asked to approve the plans, which have been funded by a government grant, at a meeting on 12 October.

The facility, scheduled to open in October 2027, would provide safe accommodation and support on site tailored to women's needs.

Linda Beresford, cabinet member for housing at Rotherham Council, said the authority was "committed to helping people to live well", adding: "Tackling homelessness and ending rough sleeping is a priority."

Beresford added: "Women experiencing homelessness can be hidden from view and may remain in unsafe or precarious situations because there is no dedicated local accommodation with on-site support.

"This proposed hub would address that gap, providing a safe, women-only environment and trauma-informed support to help women regain stability, rebuild their lives and move towards independent living."

A council spokesperson said there was currently no women-only provision in Rotherham, meaning temporary placements were made in a hotel or bed and breakfast "where onsite support is limited".

Council data shows single females had "lower positive outcomes" over the last two years compared with single males, for whom there is currently bespoke accommodation.

A council report said the numbers of women rough sleeping in Rotherham were "low but do exist".

"Women experiencing homelessness often avoid 'rough sleeping', instead staying in hidden, unsafe situations to protect themselves from gender-based violence.

"While this keeps them safer from public violence, it places them in precarious, hidden circumstances that often lead to further exploitation, severe mental health deterioration, and exclusion from official homelessness services."

In August, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said every rough sleeper in England would be offered accommodation this winter.

The new provision would be in addition to the existing women's refuge accommodation for victims of domestic abuse, the council said.

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