West Northants Census Reveals Scale of Female Rough Sleeping
Pioneering research by West Northamptonshire Council identifies 84 women experiencing homelessness, informing future support strategies.
By Aisha Mahmood
••2 min read
West Northamptonshire Council
A recent census in West Northamptonshire has provided crucial insights into the experiences of women facing rough sleeping and homelessness, identifying at least 84 individuals who were without accommodation over a three-month period.
The pioneering census, conducted between July and September 2026 by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and local partners, offers a detailed picture of the challenges faced by women experiencing rough sleeping and hidden homelessness across the area. Women included in the study were sleeping rough, staying in unsafe or unstable environments, spending nights in 24-hour public spaces, temporarily with others, or fleeing domestic abuse.
Through in-depth surveys, women shared their experiences, shedding light on complex factors leading to homelessness, such as domestic abuse, sexual violence, trauma, poor mental health, and involvement with the criminal justice system. The research was a collaborative effort involving 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, and Probation services.
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"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."
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"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 inform service planning and partnership working across West Northamptonshire, including the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy Action Plan. Partners will focus on strengthening prevention, improving access to support, and developing tailored responses for women facing housing insecurity. Organisations involved have committed to collaborative efforts to improve outcomes for at-risk women.
