Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI)

What is the Rough Sleepers Initiative (RSI)?
It is a two-year move-on scheme for people with mental health needs and a history of sleeping rough. Tenants have their own self-contained flats, which comprises one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and a lounge. In Bristol we have four properties that provide different levels of support. Some accommodation has been adapted for people with disabilities and we also have the facility to consider applications from people who wish to be re-housed with a pet.

The properties are:

  • Wayland Court in Fishponds - is a fully furnished property housing project located in Fishponds with eleven self-contained flats.  All bills are included within the service charge.  The staff team provides tenants with high level support over a seven day period.

  • Homefield Court in St George - is fully furnished with eight self-contained flats.  The staff team provides medium level support.  Homefield Court has communal areas shared by all tenants, such as a lounge and garden.  Staff are based at the project and are on duty from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and one half day at the weekend.

  • Kiln Court in Easton - is a fully furnished property with eight self-contained flats.  Staff are based off site at Homefield Court; visiting regularly to provide medium level of support.  Bills are excluded.

  • Clouds Hill in St George - is a partly furnished property with five self-contained flats.  Low level support is provided by a visiting staff member.  All bills are excluded. 

Do I need a referral to this service?
Most people are referred to us by one of the following:

  • The Hub
  • A range of homeless hostels
  • Second Step's own Outreach services;
  • Prison Inreach Team
  • One25 Project
  • Cyrenians Day Centre
  • Inner City Mental Health Team
  • Social Workers
  • Missing Link

We also accept self-referrals where you can contact the RSI Service directly.

Who can use this service?
If you want to be considered for this service you will need to:

  • have slept rough in Bristol for at least seven days continuously, or twenty days intermittently within the last two years;
  • have current mental health needs, requiring some level of support to live independently;
  • be single and aged over 16;
  • willing to accept support and abide by the house rules including your tenancy agreement;
  • have basic living skills and have the ability to maintain your own home;
  • be able to take your own prescribed medication; and
  • agree to follow Second Step's Equal Opportunities Policy.

Please note: We will always consider people's individual needs on a case-by-case basis and welcome applications from all sections of the community including those with current drug and alcohol need.

Equal Opportunities:
Current targets are 40% women and 20% ethnic communities. Written EOP and harassment policies and a complaints procedure are in place. Second Step reserves the right to refuse or postpone referrals in order to maintain a balance in their projects.
Second step accepts people known to be living with HIV.

Will I need to pay anything?
At Wayland Court, tenants pay a service charge (under £15.00) but do not pay any bills. At the other three properties, tenants do not pay a service charge but are responsible for their own bills.

I would like more information about this service, what do I do?

You can either e-mail us at: RSI@second-step.co.uk

or call us on: 0117 965 7471

What happens next?
Applicants will need to complete an RSI Needs Assessment and Registration Form. These are available from the RSI Lettings Officer, Bristol City Council - 0117 914 1135.

Please note:

  • There is an assessment process carried out by Second Step.
  • There is currently a waiting list in operation for this service.