How to help someone sleeping rough in London

Most of us have had the moment. You pass someone in a doorway on a cold evening, you slow down, and you are not sure what to do. You want to help without intruding, and you worry about getting it wrong. This guide is for that moment.

Rough sleeping in London is not rare. The city's CHAIN database, which records people seen sleeping rough by outreach teams, counted nearly 13,000 people in 2025/26 (opens in a new tab). Behind that number are individual people, each with a name, a story and a reason they ended up outside. The single most useful thing you can do is remember that.

#Start with hello

It sounds small, but it is where everything starts. Say hello, make eye contact and, if it feels right, ask their name and tell them yours. People who have slept rough often talk about feeling invisible, as if the city has agreed to look straight through them. A short, ordinary conversation says the opposite.

You do not need to fix anything in that conversation. You are not an outreach worker and you do not have to become one. You are a neighbour checking in.

#Ask what would help

The most respectful question is also the most practical one: is there anything I can get you? People know what they need far better than we can guess. Someone may want a hot drink and a sandwich. Someone else may have eaten already and would rather have dry socks, a phone charge or simply ten minutes of company.

If they say no, that is fine. Accept it warmly and move on. Respecting a no is part of treating someone with dignity.

Things people often find useful

• A hot drink or a hot meal, especially in cold weather
• Water, and in summer, sun cream
• New socks and underwear, which are rarely donated and always needed
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, deodorant, sanitary products
• A phone charge or a small power bank
• Information about a local day centre or food service

#Alert an outreach team through StreetLink

If someone is sleeping rough, you can let local outreach teams know through StreetLink (opens in a new tab). It is a service that passes your alert to the outreach team for that area, so trained workers can find the person and offer support, from a bed for the night to help with housing, health and benefits.

1. Ask first, if you can

   Where possible, ask the person whether they would like you to make a referral. Some people are already in touch with services.

2. Note the location

   Be as precise as you can: the street, a landmark, which doorway, and the time you saw them. Teams usually go out early in the morning.

3. Describe them kindly

   A short description helps the team find the right person: clothing, a sleeping bag colour, anything distinctive.

4. Send the alert

   Use the StreetLink website or app, or call 0300 500 0914.

#In cold weather

Winter nights are dangerous for people sleeping outside. In London, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (opens in a new tab), known as SWEP, is activated when temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing. When it is active, councils open extra emergency beds so that no one has to stay out in the cold.

If you see someone out on a freezing night, a StreetLink alert is especially useful because outreach teams can offer a SWEP bed. Warm drinks, gloves, hats and a spare blanket all help in the meantime.

#In a heatwave

Heat is less talked about but it is also a risk. Offer cold water, sun cream and a hat, and let the person know where they can find shade or a cool public building. Heat exhaustion can come on quickly; if someone is confused, has stopped sweating or has collapsed, call 999.

#If you want to go further

Many people find that one conversation makes them want to do more. There are good ways to turn that into regular help:

• Volunteer with a local outreach service, soup run or day centre. Our guide to volunteering in London explains how to find the right role.
• Donate warm clothing where it is actually needed. See where to donate winter coats in London.
• Support an organisation you have checked and trust. Here is how to check a charity is legitimate.

At The Light Of God, street outreach in London is at the heart of what we are building, alongside food, clothing and company for people who are struggling. We are new, and we will always be honest about what we have and have not done yet. If you would like to help us start well, you can get involved.