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.
It's being coordinated by Action Homeless on behalf of the Leicester Women's Network, and in partnership with Changing Futures, Leicester City Council, and a range of organisations supporting women facing multiple disadvantage.
Organisers say that 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 help 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.”
Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, deputy city mayor and the city council’s lead for housing said: “We welcome the opportunity for Leicester to take part in this relatively new census, and to support Action Homeless and others with this important piece of work.
“Along with our partners, we will use the information it provides to ensure that the services being provided across the city are meeting the needs of women experiencing homelessness in the city, and if they aren’t – what changes or additional resources do we need to achieve this.”
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 national data 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, providing valuable evidence to inform future housing, health and safeguarding priorities.
The project will be supported by 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 it by promoting the census, offering safe spaces for women to take part, helping with outreach activity and contributing to learning and recommendations after the census.
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.