An invite to your organisation to participate in the Leicester Women’s Rough Sleeping Census, taking place from Monday 21st to Sunday 27th September 2026.
This important initiative, coordinated by Action Homeless and Changing Futures on behalf of the Leicester Women’s Network, aims to build a more accurate understanding of women experiencing rough sleeping and hidden homelessness in Leicester. As you will be aware, women’s experiences of homelessness are often less visible and may not be reflected in traditional counts, meaning levels of need can be significantly underestimated.
The census forms part of the national Women’s Rough Sleeping Census, led by Solace Women’s Aid and Single Homeless Project, and findings will contribute to both local and national insight to help shape future services, commissioning, and support.
How your organisation can support
We would greatly value your involvement in supporting delivery during census week in one (or both) of the following ways:
- Survey delivery: Supporting women who access your service during the week to complete a short, trauma-informed census questionnaire; and/or
- Hosting access: Allowing a member of the census team to attend your service at an agreed time to engage with women and complete surveys directly.
We will provide all materials, guidance, and support required, including training in gender-informed and trauma-informed approaches, to ensure participation is straightforward and safe for both staff and service users.
Why your involvement matters
This census relies on strong partnership working across housing, health, VAWG, and voluntary sectors. Your support will help us to:
- Build a clearer picture of women’s homelessness locally
- Identify gaps in provision and unmet need
- Inform future commissioning, service planning, and safeguarding responses
We would be happy to discuss how best to tailor your involvement around your service delivery. If you would like to take part or find out more, please contact eilidhstringer@actionhomeless.org.uk would be glad to arrange a conversation at your convenience.
Thank you for your continued support and for the vital work you do across Leicester.
