Rough sleeping figures have hit a record high in Mansfield.
The official count for 2025 is 25 – the most since Mansfield District Council began recording figures in 2019.
This year’s number is almost double 2024’s count of 13 and continues the trend of a yearly increase since 2022.
But Richard Stafford, Framework’s street outreach team manager, says the monthly rough sleeping numbers are higher.
He said: “April 2024, as a whole county, we had around 50 rough sleepers.
“In May that went up to 136.
“On a monthly basis we probably find around 50 rough sleepers in Mansfield which is quite high.
Mr Stafford, 51, says depravation is the biggest factor for the increase.
He said: “Mansfield is the most deprived area in Nottingham.
“That links in with the cost-of-living crisis, drug use, alcohol use, mental health issues.
“It’s all linked together through depravation.”
This year’s figure of 25 was from a rough sleeper snapshot taken on October 9.
But snapshots come with issues.
They are just an estimate, and vulnerable groups such as women can be undercounted.
Mr Stafford said: “It’s done on a single night figure.
“You’re not getting a full picture that a monthly figure gives you.
“Women are extremely vulnerable and are more likely to become what we call ‘hidden homeless’.
“So they’ll be sofa surfing with somebody, staying where they’re selling themselves for the night or they’ll sleep in a McDonald’s.”
The council announced an extension of their Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy in March last year – a project initially launched in 2019.
They acknowledged the increase in homelessness in their 2019-2024 findings.
A statement from the review said: “The review has highlighted a need for Mansfield District Council to adapt and change to the new demand of homelessness, and ensure it maximises staff efficiency and the support of partner agencies to deliver the service required by the current climate.”
The 2024-2029 strategy outlines six priorities which focus on early prevention, homeless prevention, recovery and strengthening partnerships.
The council will monitor the progress and publish an annual review and action plan through the five years.
To get help for anyone sleeping rough in Mansfield, contact Housing Solutions on 01623 463121 (between 8:30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday), email homelessenquiries@mansfield.gov.uk or visit the Civic Centre on Chesterfield Road South between 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday (except Wednesday mornings).
