Published: Wednesday 25 June 2025
A new accommodation service offering round-the-clock, specialist support for rough sleepers has opened in North Kensington.
Kensington and Chelsea Council’s Complex Needs Rough Sleeper Service offers ten bedrooms alongside two communal areas where support staff can provide residents with personalised, trauma-informed care.
The 24/7 service enables residents to improve their mental and physical health by developing new skills, learning about different lifestyle and nutrition options and being linked to resources such as health screenings and smoking cessation services.
The communal spaces can also be used by external providers to deliver specialist support, increasing access to care for people with experiences of disadvantage.
Cllr Sof McVeigh, lead member for housing, said:
“For some of our most vulnerable residents, recovery isn’t just about having a roof over their head but developing the skills to live independently. This new service provides a safe place to stay and the expert, compassionate support needed to break the cycle of rough sleeping.
“Our approach means we have one of the lowest numbers of rough sleepers in central London, and we will continue doing everything we can to prevent homelessness and help our residents into settled homes.”
The service is funded by a grant from the Greater London Authority’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme and delivered by Social Interest Group Penrose. Referrals are made exclusively by the Council’s street outreach team.
Adam Moll, director of external affairs and impact at Social Interest Group, said:
“We're really proud to be supporting some of Kensington and Chelsea Council’s most entrenched rough sleepers towards happier, healthier futures.”
Kensington and Chelsea Council operates a comprehensive outreach and support service, including night-time patrols, mental health professionals, and dedicated “navigators” for long-term rough sleepers.
A new Homelessness Prevention Hub works in the community to identify and support residents at risk of homelessness at the earliest opportunity.
Improving supported accommodation, preventing homelessness and reducing rough sleeping are all part of the Council’s draft Housing Strategy for 2025-2030.