The Night Service and Off-the-Street Pathway
What is the Off-the-Street Pathway?
The Pathway is a series of steps for people from Preston who are working with the Rough Sleeper team.
It leads to accommodation and begins with the Night Service, which enables rough sleepers to stay in a safe and warm place where they can work with support staff to ready themselves for appropriate accommodation options.
What is the Night Service?
Anyone offered a space at The Night Service will get:
- A bed for the night in a safe indoor space.
- Hot food and drinks (from 7:30pm to 8:30am).
- Hot breakfast over the weekend.
- Increased support staff ratio at night time.
- Additional support staff during weekends and bank holidays.
- Help with substance misuse, mental health, and physical health issues.
What is expected of rough sleepers?
If you accept an offer of a space at the Night Service, then it is expected that you will:
- Treat the building and everyone in it with respect.
- Respect the Night Service rules.
- Be proactive by engaging with the support team who want to move you off the street into suitable accommodation.
- Make use of the additional support available to help prepare for your next steps.
- Follow the rules.
How to access the Night Service
Spaces at the Night Service are allocated by the Outreach Team.
You can contact them by emailing outreach@preston.gov.uk or by speaking to a team member if you see them out in the community.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Outreach Team can also provide information about other services, such as recovery support or food provision, and can make referrals on your behalf.
If the team knows where someone is sleeping, they will visit to discuss the support available.
If you're concerned about someone sleeping rough, please let us know, your information helps us reach those in need.
If you're offered a space, the Outreach Team will talk with you about what sleeping gear can be used.
What happens next?
The Night Service is just the next step in progressing along the Off-the-Street-Pathway, from rough sleeping to living in your own property.
You will progress through the pathway at a pace that suits your individual needs.
Staff will be on hand to offer a range of support to help you become ready for each stage.
If you encounter difficulties or need additional help, you may temporarily return to an earlier step to receive the support necessary to move forward again.
In addition, support staff will work with you to explore other housing options that may be appropriate, including accommodation linked to substance recovery, sheltered housing, mental health refuges, and other supported living arrangements.
They will also help you consider opportunities through Select Move and private rental schemes, depending on what best fits your situation.
The Off-the-Street-Pathway
1 - Rough Sleeping
Support provided by the Outreach Team.
2 - Night Service
11 beds plus sit-up provision. Support from the Night Workers.
3 - Waverley and Fishergate
12 beds across two units. Support from the day workers.
4 - The Spires
24-flat supported accommodation. Support from the Spires staff.
5 - CGA Rough Sleeper Flats
20 independent flats. Support from CGA staff.
6 - CGA General Needs Flat
Rough sleeper flat becomes own flat. No support needed.