How can I get a bed?
To access a bed at The Winchester Beacon, you need to first make contact with your local authority housing team (details below). They will meet with you and, depending on your circumstances, may then refer you to us.
The Winchester Beacon is able to help single men and women above the age of 18.
The Winchester Beacon
office hours
office hours
Our office hours are Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Outside of office hours
If you try to contact us outside office hours, you can leave a message on our 24-hour answer machine and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We also advise everyone to register with their local council housing office (see below) who can instantly suggest the best route for you to take.
Reporting a rough sleeper
If you are concerned about people sleeping rough in your local area, please get in touch with Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or use their online reporting tool.
Alternatively, contact Winchester City Council (City Offices Colebrook Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9LJ) on 01962 840 222 or email housing@winchester.gov.uk.
What if there are no beds available?
If we don’t have a vacant bed, we can give you information on who best to contact. Your local housing office (details below) will be able to advise you on the best next steps.
Referrals
We also welcome referrals from outreach organisations and councils across Hampshire. Please see our referrals page for more information.
Our facilities and support
We try to create a safe and comfortable environment and hope our residents feel at home during their stay with us. Due to the pandemic, we are currently accommodating all residents in single bedrooms. There is a television room, quiet room and computer area with three computers, so residents can both relax and have the space and privacy to complete vital tasks such as housing forms and job applications. We also have on-site laundry facilities for use by residents.
During their stay, each resident is provided with:
- A bed with fresh linen and towels
- Home-cooked evening meal, lunch and breakfast each day
- Hot showers
- Clothes (if needed) and toiletries
- Computer and internet access
Residents have access to The Winchester Beacon’s support services which include:
- Support staff who provide one-to-one help, advocacy and support with housing, employment, personal finance and other essential needs on a weekly basis
- Wellbeing and coping sessions, and a confidential free counselling and psychotherapy service
- Support with finances and budgeting, plus help with benefit claims
- Access to training and volunteer work placement schemes with local businesses to help improve employment prospects
- Opportunities to develop independent living skills, including tenancy and first aid training
- Access to drug and alcohol advisory services and support
- Peer mentoring
- Regular ‘Cycling for Wellbeing’ bike rides with Bespoke Biking
- Ad hoc activities and support including hairdressing, acupuncture, IT and computer support, CV skills and social outing.
Our services are available to all adults who are homeless irrespective of gender, colour, race or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion/beliefs, marital or civil partnership status, age or pregnancy/maternity.
Contact your local housing office
East Hampshire District Council – Tel. 01730 234345/234377/234378/234394
Penns Place, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 4EX
Email: housingservices@easthants.gov.uk
Havant Borough Council – Tel. 023 9244 6379
Civic Offices, Havant, Hampshire Po9 2AX
Email: housingservice@havant.gov.uk
Test Valley Borough Council Andover – Tel. 01264 368613 / 368614 or Romsey 01794 527771
Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, Hampshire SP10 3AJ
Email: choicebasedlettings@testvalley.gov.uk
Winchester City Council – Tel. 01962 840 222/ 01962 848 163 City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ
Email: homelessness@winchester.gov.uk
All housing offices are open Monday to Thursday: 9.00am to 5.00pm;
Fridays: 9.00am to 4.30pm.