REDCAR & Cleveland Borough Council is highlighting help available for rough sleepers during this winter season.
The council has a response to assisting rough sleepers all year round with No Second Night Out (NSNO), which is a Government initiative aiming to make sure that no-one new to the street has to spend more than one night sleeping rough. In 2014/15 the council assisted 22 clients under this scheme.
Another initiative, Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), is in place in the event of severe weather conditions, where the temperature has been below 0 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days. In this instance, emergency temporary accommodation can be arranged until the weather improves.
The council also encourages the public to make a report if they see a rough sleeper, so they can get the support they need, by calling 01287 612444 or through the national rough sleeper hotline, StreetLink, on 0300 500 0914.
Although Redcar and Cleveland has very few rough sleepers in the borough, the council is still urging people to be vigilant in getting help to those who need it.
Cllr Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Health and Housing at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said: “It is important we raise awareness of these initiatives, which are active all year round, as winter is closing in.
“Identifying and getting support to rough sleepers, especially at this time of year, is all of our responsibility, so if you see someone in need of help, please call the hotline.”
Cllr Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Leisure at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said: “Christmas is associated with happiness for many but can spell misery for others, not least because circumstances can remove the warmth of family and environment.
“Please stay vigilant on your nights out and remember who to contact if you see anyone sleeping rough in adverse conditions, at this happiest but also cruellest time of year.”
If you are, or know of, a rough sleeper, please call the council on 01287 612444 or through the national rough sleeper hotline, StreetLink, on 0300 500 0914.