Homelessness in Somerset continues to rise, with the latest government figures recording 80 people sleeping rough on a single night– one of the highest totals in the South West outside the region's major urban centres.

For Connect Community Trust (CCT), a new charity which took over the Connect Centre in Wells' Somerset Council contract to support the homeless earlier this year, these figures reflect what staff are seeing every day: more people are finding themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness, more people are facing increasingly complex challenges, and local services are under increasing pressure to meet growing demand.

CCT is a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness through Dairy House, Housing First and a range of community support services.

Pete Naylor, chief executive officer of CCT, said: "It's encouraging to hear the Government talking about ending rough sleeping. But ending homelessness isn't about one organisation or one initiative. It takes long-term commitment, strong partnerships and consistent support for the people who need it most."

"Homelessness is rarely just about not having a roof over your head. Many people have experienced trauma, poor mental health, addiction, relationship breakdown or a mix of these. By the time they come to CCT, they've often lost trust in people and services.

"There's rarely a quick fix. What makes the difference is building trust, being consistent and sticking alongside people for as long as it takes. That's how people begin to rebuild their lives."

CCT says its partnership with Somerset Council is fundamental to the support it provides across the county.

"We achieve far more when charities, councils and other organisations work together. Nobody can solve homelessness on their own, but together we can make a real difference."

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CCT operates Dairy House, a unique direct‑access hostel based on a working farm that provides emergency accommodation and wrap‑around support for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough.

Alongside this, the charity delivers Housing First, supporting people with long histories of homelessness to move into and sustain their own homes. The focus is not simply on housing someone, but helping them build a life they can maintain.