A groundbreaking partnership that has transformed the borough’s approach to homelessness and rough sleeping has marked 10 years of delivering vital support to some of the most vulnerable people across Basingstoke and Deane.

This month (October) marks 10 years since the first meeting of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP), a collaboration of specialist, voluntary, statutory, faith and community organisations and groups coming together to reduce homelessness in the borough, working alongside those with lived experience.

To mark this milestone, members of the partnership gathered for a special event at Carnival Hall on World Homeless Day, Friday 10 October. The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore and Luke Murphy MP were among the guests, together with people who spoke about their personal experiences of rough sleeping. 

Since its first meeting in 2015, the partnership has grown into a driving force for change. Together, its partners have transformed the landscape of homelessness support, with a decade of innovation and collaboration.

From the opening of The Dwelling Place in 2015 and the installation of showers at the Camrose Centre in 2016, to the launch of the Real Change Campaign and the creation of the annual Night Light Winter Shelter, the SIP has been transformative in supporting those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

In 2016, 26 people were recorded as sleeping rough in the borough. By 2020 this number fell to zero, thanks to the partnership’s commitment to ensuring no one was left behind as part of a package of support delivered during the pandemic. Rough sleeping remains at some of the lowest levels ever seen in the borough, with two individuals recorded in the most recent 2024 count.

But the achievements go far beyond statistics. Those within the Social Inclusion Partnership have:

• introduced peer mentors and clinical psychologists into the homelessness pathway, helping people rebuild their lives, with Outcome Home leading the way in peer support
• developed safe, long-term housing solutions, creating Blackdown and Nova properties, Viables Farm Cottages and are re-designing and refurbishing May Place House to bring it up to modern and fit for purpose standards
• opened a women’s safe house and launched Wellbeing Wednesdays at the Camrose Centre, addressing the specific needs of vulnerable women
• led innovative projects such as the probation and housing art project and achieved recognition such as White Ribbon accreditation, showing a commitment not just to housing, but to dignity, safety and inclusion
• provided the Night Light Winter Shelter to offer a warm and safe space for rough sleepers over the coldest months since its pilot in December 2016 - last year, 36 people spent at least one night in the shelter, with one guest staying for 76 nights
• raised, through The Real Change Not Loose Change campaign, over £60,000 since 2016 to support homeless people off the streets and connect them to the help they need in Basingstoke and Deane.

Looking ahead, the SIP is not slowing down. A comprehensive refurbishment of May Place House is set to start in January to bring the psychologically informed accommodation setting up to modern standards to meet residents’ needs. To ensure vital support is stronger than ever, single homeless support services will be re-procured and plans are underway for a second Homeless Health Needs Audit to understand the changing need a decade on.

A key figure within the SIP from the very beginning has been Charlie Wood, Lead Peer Mentor at Outcome Home. Reflecting on his role in the partnership and the difference it has made, he said: “I know what it’s like to lose everything - to go from having a stable job, a home, and family, to sleeping on the streets. That experience stays with you, but now I’m using it to make a difference.

“Being part of the Social Inclusion Partnership has given me the chance to turn my past into action. I work alongside partners and peers to support rough sleepers, help shape services, and open conversations that might never happen otherwise. Every time someone gets the right support, finds a safe place to sleep, or takes the first step to rebuild their life, I see the impact we can have.

“The journey isn’t easy - it’s rarely straightforward - but the partnership shows what can happen when lived experience meets practical action. Knowing that I can use my story to help others avoid the hardships I went through, and to guide the work of the SIP, is incredibly rewarding. It’s why I continue to be involved and why I believe this partnership changes lives every single day.

The anniversary event celebrates not only the achievements of the SIP over the past decade but also the community spirit and collaboration that make its work possible. It was a chance to recognise those who have gone above and beyond, with an award going to the phenomenal Night Light Winter Shelter volunteers. Last year, 144 people gave their time to support the crucial shelters.

Awards were also given in recognition of the SIP COVID response, recognising those who were out working and volunteering on the streets and in hostels at a time when most were safely at home, to the Camrose Centre for its work around the health of homeless people, and to Charlie Wood for his unwavering dedication to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the borough.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Residents’ Services Cllr Laura James said: “Homelessness and rough sleeping is a very complex subject and there are any number of reasons why people become homeless. Every person experiencing homelessness has a different journey and a different story to tell. Some will go through life events which will push them into homelessness such as a relationship breakdown, bereavement, the loss of a job, or health issues.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate this decade-long journey. Hearing first-hand from those whose lives have been transformed reminds us why this work matters, and it inspires us to keep pushing forward to ensure no one in our community faces homelessness alone.”

The Social Inclusion Partnership is currently raising funds to improve facilities for people experiencing homelessness in Basingstoke.  This year, the campaign has focused on supporting the installation of a new shower at a local church, a vital addition that will make a big difference to those without access to basic amenities.

Local residents, organisations and partners have taken part in sponsored walks throughout the year to help reach the fundraising target.

Donations are still being welcomed, and every contribution goes directly towards creating a cleaner, safer, and more dignified space for those most in need.

To find out more or to donate, visit www.RealChangeBasingstoke.org.uk/walking-for-real-change

Residents and visitors who spot someone sleeping rough in the borough are asked to report this to ensure the individual gets the help and support they need at https://thestreetlink.org.uk/