Published on Thursday 26 February 2026
The latest nightly Annual Count shows the number of people sleeping rough in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has fallen from 63 in 2024 to 53 in 2025, including a 16% reduction in long‑term rough sleeping.
With the right support, people facing street homelessness can move quickly towards safety and stability. Every reduction in rough sleeping reflects that journey, and this year’s figures show meaningful progress.
This progress reflects the collective effort of the Homelessness Partnership BCP, whose partner organisations, including BCP Council, local charities, faith groups, lived experience networks and commissioned outreach teams, have worked together to help people into safer, more secure accommodation.
To help build on this progress, BCP Council has been awarded £125,000 through the Long Term Rough Sleeping Innovation Programme (LTRSIP). One of 28 locations nationally, the funding will support local services to test new approaches, strengthen prevention work and deepen collaboration with community partners. It will also help ensure support is shaped by the needs and experiences of people who have spent the longest time on the streets.
This new programme sits alongside the previously confirmed £2m three‑year Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant (RSPARG), creating opportunities to expand early intervention and deliver system-wide change.
The new LTRSIP funding will build on this system-wide approach by:
- Expanding early intervention and prevention
- Strengthening collaboration with voluntary, faith and community sector partners
- Testing new models of support for people with the most complex needs
- Embedding system change to help end long‑term rough sleeping
Cllr Kieron Wilson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said:
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Every time someone comes off the streets, it’s a step toward safety and stability. I’m proud of the difference our outreach teams, partners, charities and community groups are making across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The reduction we’ve seen over the last year is important, behind those figures are real individuals whose lives have changed for the better.
“This new funding will help us strengthen support - working earlier, innovatively, and in partnership. With services being shaped around what people need and by those who know what is needed. We know there is always more to do, and this money will go toward carrying on the positive progress.”
BCP Council will now work with the Homelessness Partnership and wider voluntary, faith and community organisations to shape a local innovation plan, ensuring the funding delivers meaningful, long-term change for the people who need it most.
Need support?
Anyone worried about losing their home can contact the Homelessness Early Prevention Team via homelessnessprevention@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
If you need general housing advice, or if you are a landlord looking for support you can find out more via the BCP website.