Action Homeless leads Leicester’s first Women’s Rough Sleeping Census

Women experiencing homelessness in Leicester are set to be counted in a new and more inclusive way as the city takes part in the National Women’s Rough Sleeping Census for the first time.

Running from 21 to 27 September 2026, the Leicester Women’s Rough Sleeping Census aims to build a more accurate understanding of women’s experiences of rough sleeping and hidden homelessness across the city.

The census is being coordinated by Action Homeless, on behalf of the Leicester Women’s Network, in partnership with Changing Futures, Leicester City Council, and a range of organisations supporting women facing multiple disadvantage.

Traditional rough sleeping counts often fail to capture the experiences of women, many of whom avoid sleeping in visible locations because of concerns about safety, violence and exploitation. Instead, women may move between temporary arrangements, stay in unsafe accommodation or remain in abusive situations, meaning they can remain hidden from official homelessness statistics.

The Leicester Women’s Rough Sleeping Census will use a gender-informed definition of rough sleeping, helping local agencies to better understand the extent and nature of women’s homelessness and identify gaps in support.

Eilidh Stringer, Funding and Communications Manager at Action Homeless, said:

Women’s homelessness is too often hidden from view. Many women take significant steps to avoid sleeping visibly on the streets, which means their experiences may not be captured through traditional rough sleeping counts.

This census offers an important opportunity to better understand the reality of women’s homelessness in Leicester and ensure that future services and support are shaped by evidence. By working together across the city, we hope to improve visibility, influence service planning and ultimately achieve better outcomes for women facing homelessness.

The Women’s Rough Sleeping Census was first introduced nationally in 2022 and is led by Solace Women’s Aid and Single Homeless Project (SHP). Information gathered in Leicester will contribute to the national dataset and help build a clearer picture of women’s homelessness across England.

During census week, women who meet the census definition will be invited to complete a confidential survey. Findings will then be analysed through a local insights process producing valuable evidence to inform future commissioning, resource allocation and housing, health and safeguarding priorities.

The project relies on a strong partnership approach involving homelessness services, outreach teams, domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) organisations, health providers, community groups and faith organisations.

Local organisations are being encouraged to support delivery by promoting the census, offering safe spaces for participation, assisting with outreach activity and contributing to post-census learning and recommendations.

It is hoped that the findings will provide the strongest evidence to date on women’s rough sleeping and hidden homelessness in Leicester, helping services better respond to the needs of some of the city’s most vulnerable women.