Rough Sleeper Numbers Fall Across Dorset in 2025

New figures released by Dorset Council show a slight reduction in rough sleeping across the county in 2025, offering cautious optimism amid rising numbers nationally.

Latest Snapshot Figures:

The annual rough sleeping snapshot recorded 14 people sleeping rough in the Dorset Council area in 2025. This is down from 15 in 2024 and represents the lowest figure recorded since 2022.

• 2025: 14
• 2024: 15
• 2023: 15
• 2022: 12
• 2021: 13

Within the county, Weymouth continues to see the highest concentration of rough sleepers, with smaller numbers recorded in Bridport, Dorchester, Swanage, and Wimborne.

Regional and National Context:

While Dorset has seen a small decline, the wider picture is more challenging. Across the South West region, rough sleeping increased between 2024 and 2025. Nationally, figures also rose, highlighting ongoing pressures linked to housing affordability, cost of living challenges, and complex support needs.

This contrast suggests that local prevention and outreach strategies may be helping to stabilise numbers in Dorset, even as wider regional trends move upward.

Support Services and Partnership Working
Dorset Council continues to prioritise preventing homelessness and supporting residents at risk. Funding through the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant supports a coordinated approach with local charities and service providers.

• Julian House – Outreach services, transition support, and supported housing.
• The Lantern Trust – Supported lettings, landlord engagement, and employment-focused training.
• Shelter – Intensive support for individuals with complex housing needs.
• The Bus Shelter – 24/7 supported accommodation for up to 12 people.
• Citizens Advice – Specialist guidance on housing costs, benefits, and debt management.

Prevention and Early Intervention
Alongside outreach and accommodation support, the council continues to emphasise early intervention. Residents at risk of homelessness due to rent arrears, mortgage difficulties, or relationship breakdown are encouraged to seek help through the council’s Housing Advice service.

By addressing housing issues before they escalate, the aim is to prevent more people from reaching crisis point and sleeping rough.

Ongoing Challenges:

Although the 2025 snapshot shows a slight improvement, rough sleeping has not been eliminated. The annual count represents a single-night estimate and may not capture individuals experiencing hidden homelessness, such as sofa surfing or living in insecure temporary arrangements.

Sustained partnership working, continued funding, and targeted prevention strategies will remain essential to ensure that the downward trend continues and that vulnerable residents receive the support they need.

The small drop in rough sleeper numbers in 2025 is a positive sign for Dorset. However, with regional and national figures still rising, homelessness remains a significant social challenge. Continued collaboration between the council and its voluntary sector partners will be key to building on this progress.