Fewer people sleeping rough in Exeter
Since the formation of a task force earlier this year, a number of key developments have already taken place. Fewer people now live rough and survive on the streets of Exeter and reports of anti social behaviour have decreased.
StAG: Exeter’s Street Attachment Group adopts a multi agency approach to tackle one of its key priorities to reduce the number of people living and surviving on the city’s streets. It does this by promoting access to resources to help rehabilitate, home and get people involved in activities away from the streets.
An audit carried out last year showed that over seventy people were living rough in the city. Today that number has almost halved.
Superintendent Sam de Reya who chairs the group said “The approach to dealing with people attached to the street is complex; it requires a number of different options and solutions to deal with the long term issues. StAG’s strategy is to use engagement, support and where necessary enforcement.”
Since its development, StAG has been instrumental in improving partnership working and encouraging g a greater understanding of the complex needs involved. It has been influential in driving provision of services including toilet access and supporting the extension of safe sleep provided by Gabriel House beyond the winter period.
“Our aim is to identify and support vulnerable people by developing exit packages to help people break their attachment to the streets” added Supt de Reya. “This entails aligning with other projects and working closely with partner agencies and other support organisations such as MEAM, ICE and Wat Tyler House.
To tackle the issue of crime and anti social behaviour in the city, Operation Cornerstone focuses on engagement, referral and enforcement, to support the long term objectives of the StAG.
Membership of StAG includes public and private sectors, businesses charities and voluntary organisations.
“The partnership work is vital to keep Exeter a safe place to live, visit and work” said Supt de Reya.
