Homeless people up and down the country are at serious risk as sub-freezing temperatures continue to grip the UK.
Approximately 274,000 people in England are homeless this winter, with at least 2,7000 sleeping rough on any given night.
In a bid to help those who are sleeping rough in the frigid temperatures, local authorities send out Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP), which trigger the opening up of short-term accommodation for homeless people to go when there is an increased risk of death due to the weather conditions.
These warning systems are designed to act as a temporary response measure to adverse weather conditions and provide humanitarian assistance at times of increased risk.
They function alongside homeless shelters that are already coordinated by local authorities and independent providers.
Organisations such as StreetLink are a good point of contact if you see someone sleeping rough and are concerned for their safety.
Streetlink will connect the vulnerable person to local support services that can help to end their homelessness.
You can contact StreeLink on 0300 500 0914.
Visit the Streelink website here to sign up and send alerts when you see someone who is at risk.
Streetlink will ask you to provide the following information when you make contact:
- A specific location for the rough sleeping site. You can do this by using a map to pinpoint the exact location and then providing a written description of the location.
- Details of the time that the rough sleeper has been seen at the location.
- Any information about the rough sleeper that will help find them (gender, approximate age, what the person looks like, what they are wearing).
You will then receive details of the action the local authority normally takes when they are told someone is sleeping rough in their area and an update on what has happened as a result of your alert within 10 working days if you have requested it.
In 2020, StreeLink's alert system helped 13,000 rough sleepers find accommodation.
If you see someone who is in need of medical attention, call 999 immediately.
Homeless Link, the charity that runs StreetLink, advises that members of the public think carefully when considering giving money, food or belongings to rough sleepers, including asking the person whether they are happy to accept such items.
Other ways to help include visiting a local cafe and asking if they will let you purchase an item for a homeless person to collect.
Buying a copy of the Big Issue is also suggested as a way to help homeless people, or those at risk of losing their home, to earn money.
