Census results to help shape support for female rough sleepers in West Northants
02 November 2026
A recent census is helping to build a clearer understanding of the experiences of women facing rough sleeping and homelessness in West Northamptonshire.
The pioneering census, led by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and local partners between July and September 2026, identified at least 84 women who had nowhere to stay at all during the three-month period. The research has provided one of the most detailed pictures yet of the challenges faced by women experiencing rough sleeping and hidden homelessness across the area.
Women included in the census were either sleeping rough, staying in unsafe or unstable environments, spending nights in places open 24 hours a day, staying temporarily with family, associates or strangers or living in unsuitable accommodation or fleeing domestic abuse.
As part of the research, women shared their experiences through in-depth surveys, providing valuable insight into the complex factors that can lead to homelessness and the barriers to accessing support. The findings highlighted impacts including domestic abuse, sexual violence, trauma, poor mental health and involvement with the criminal justice system.
The work was delivered in partnership with WNC’s Rough Sleeping Outreach Team, Inspire's Women at Risk Recovery Workers and Outreach Team, Queen's Refuge, Bridge Gold Street Hub, C2C Social Action Women's Centre, Adult Social Care, Probation and other local support services.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: "This important research provides valuable insight into the challenges faced by women experiencing rough sleeping and homelessness across our area.
"The findings will help us and our partners better understand where support is needed most, helping to strengthen services and inform how we work together to prevent people from reaching crisis point. We are committed to ensuring that women facing some of the most difficult circumstances receive the support, safety and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives."
Andrea Knowles, Senior Operations Manager for Inspire, said: “This census has given a vital voice to women whose experiences of homelessness and rough sleeping are too often hidden.
“The findings highlight the importance of trauma-informed, gender-specific support and strong partnership working. By listening to women's experiences, we can help shape services that are more accessible, responsive, and effective in supporting women to achieve safety, stability, and recovery.”
The findings will now be used to inform service planning and partnership working across West Northamptonshire, including the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy Action Plan. Partners will explore opportunities to strengthen prevention, improve access to support and develop more tailored responses for women experiencing rough sleeping, hidden homelessness and other forms of housing insecurity. This will help ensure services are better informed by the experiences and needs of those most affected.
Organisations involved in the census have committed to working together to develop responses to the issues identified through the research and improve outcomes for women at risk of homelessness across the area.