The team is made up of Council officers, stakeholders and local Councillors. We were fully briefed beforehand on the how and why, what to do if we come across someone very vulnerable and personal safety.
We were split up into groups of 2 or 3 with maps and sent all over Newham, where it was believed from recent reports, people may be sleeping rough. If they were asleep we were told to just count them but if they were awake and willing to engage, we should take some details of their circumstances and they would be visited by the early morning shift of outreach workers to see what help and support could be offered.
I went again with Council officer Aidan, to cover two patches of Newham. I was pleased that despite it being a warm night, for the first time in a long time, we did not find anyone sleeping rough sleeping.
But I am very sure that other groups did find people sleeping rough elsewhere in the borough.
Thanks to Paul (white tee shirt) and his officers for organising this so well. Ajitha, the recently retired former Council manager of this team must be so proud.
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