You won't have failed to notice that the UK is currently facing some pretty hardcore weather – with sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow and travel chaos continuing to bite across large parts of the country. The Met Office has issued multiple snow, ice and wind warnings, with Storm Goretti continuing to cause chaos and temperatures dipping well below freezing in many areas.
Cold weather payments have now been triggered in nearly 700 postcodes too, with over one million low-income households receiving up to £50 to help with energy costs as temperatures remain persistently low (check to see if you're eligible here).
For some, this brutal weather is more than an inconvenience; for people sleeping rough or facing insecure housing, it can be a matter of life and death. Recent analysis from Shelter shows at least 354,000 people were homeless in England before this winter, including almost 4,000 people sleeping rough on a typical night, numbers that have been rising year on year.
With conditions this severe, staying warm and safe is already a struggle for many — and even harder for those with nowhere to call home. This guide explains practical ways you can help homeless people through the worst of the winter weather.
To find out more, Cosmopolitan UK spoke to the experts at Shelter, Crisis and Centrepoint...
How to help the homeless in cold weather
Check-in
Often, a smile goes a long way – which is why taking the time to speak with a homeless person can make a difference to their day. If you feel comfortable, stop to speak with the homeless person and ask them how you can help, they may be in need of items that you can source for them, such as bedding, thermal clothing, a new pair of socks or a sandwich and a cup of coffee.
Everyone's clicking on...
Although long-term help for the homeless is ideal, as Centrepoint tells us: "Having a conversation over a cup of tea can be really important."
Reach out
If you're concerned about a homeless person and want to help, you can call Shelter or Centrepoint's helplines (details below), or reach out to StreetLink, who may be able to send outreach services directly to the person.
StreetLink allows members of the public to connect people sleeping rough with the local services and homeless charities that can support them. Centrepoint describes StreetLink as the "easiest way" to find "immediate support in cold weather" for those living on the streets.
To access StreetLink, down their app, call their 24-hour helpline or visit their website. When sending an alert to StreetLink, be sure to include:
- A specific location where the person is sleeping
- The time you saw the person at this location
- Any information about the person that will help outreach workers find them (for example, gender, age, what the person looks like, what they’re wearing)
- If you can, it’s best to let the person know you’re referring them, as they may not want their details shared with other agencies. You can also ask them if they’re happy to pass on their mobile number so it’s easier for outreach workers to contact them
Get help
"No one should be forced to sleep outside in current conditions – so most councils will have taken steps to ensure there is accommodation for those who have no choice," Paul Brocklehurst, Centrepoint’s helpline manager, tells Cosmopolitan UK. As well as contacting StreetLink, there are local council services that can help. Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) provides emergency support for rough sleepers when the temperatures drop drastically, this includes extra beds being opened up in night shelters.
If you are worried that someone is in immediate danger due to the cold weather, please call 999.
What next?
"The government must do more to make sure that no-one has to risk their life sleeping rough," says Neate, who recommends supporting Shelter as they call on the government to help prevent homelessness by unfreezing housing benefit right now, so that people can afford to pay their rent this winter.
"Ultimately, the only lasting solution to keep people safe from the streets is to invest in a new generation of genuinely affordable social homes, which offer people the right support to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives," she adds.
Shelter's emergency helpline – 0808 800 4444 – is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (weekends and bank holidays, 9am to 5pm), with online support available via their website.
If you're concerned about a young homeless person, contact Centrepoint for free on 0808 800 0661 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or via their online service (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm).
Alternatively, find your local Crisis centre here.
