Help the homeless with Street Link

Lancaster City Council is urging people to use a dedicated homelessness service if they spot anyone sleeping rough and in need of help during the current spell of cold weather.

The call comes following the triggering of SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) which comes into effect when the night time temperature is predicted to be zero degree celsius, according to the Met Office.

Although the number of rough sleepers is low comparative to many other areas, the city council is committed to ensuring every homeless person receives the help they need to get off the streets and into accommodation.

The Street Link scheme is a service that enables the public to alert local authorities in England about rough sleepers in their area. 

The city council has a dedicated rough sleeper outreach team who can provide a response to an alert within 24 hours and offer outreach support and specialist advice on housing options including temporary accommodation.  

Coun Karen Leytham, Cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said: “Thankfully we don’t have the number of rough sleepers you might see in other towns and cities but one is one too many.

“That’s why the council is committed to ensuring that anyone sleeping rough does not have to spend a second night out on the streets.

“Anyone who wants to help a homeless person should get in touch with Street Link and we’ll respond in turn by providing them with the help they need.”

If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough, get in touch with Street Link so the city council can connect them to local services. The service can be contacted by telephoning 0300 500 0914 or visiting the Street Link website.

Last updated: 28 November 2016