Eastbourne Borough Council has carried out a multi-agency operation to move on a small number of rough sleepers from Eastbourne Railway Station.
The task force cleared the area and conducted a deep clean, while offering support and advice on available accommodation. Daily checks of the station will continue throughout January and beyond, as the council explores longer-term solutions to prevent future rough sleeping in the area.
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is currently activated, meaning rough sleepers are entitled to emergency accommodation and enabling officers to engage with them for longer-term housing support. Many of those sleeping rough have complex needs, including mental health and substance misuse issues, and several have so far refused offers of support. Council officers continue to work with partner organisations to provide wrap-around care to these individuals.
Eastbourne’s Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) provides a wide range of support, including early morning outreach, a 12-bed assessment centre, a 10-bed short-stay accommodation unit with 24-hour staffing, Housing First programmes for complex cases, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive support. Move-on teams assist rough sleepers into private rented accommodation where possible.
In addition, the council’s Housing Options and Wellbeing Service operates a multi-disciplinary homelessness prevention hub. The hub offers advice and interventions not only from housing teams, but also from adult social care, substance misuse services, employment brokers, domestic abuse specialists, and other agencies. More than half of those accessing the hub are rough sleepers, and the service has improved collaboration across local support services.
Eastbourne also works closely with day centres such as the Salvation Army, Matthew 25, and Kingdom Way Trust, as well as local volunteer groups that provide food and other support. The council urges the public to contribute to local charities rather than giving money directly to people begging, as this is often more beneficial for those in need.
Councillors and officers emphasise that preventing homelessness remains a priority. By identifying people at risk early, providing holistic support, and offering quality temporary accommodation, the council aims to reduce repeat homelessness and end rough sleeping. Members of the public who are aware of rough sleepers not currently known to the council are encouraged to report them via Streetlink at www.streetlink.org.uk.
