What to do if you see a homeless person sleeping out rough in the cold and snow
A storm is expected to engulf Britain this week with heavy rain and 70mph gales - and there are people sleeping out in it
HOMLESS people in the UK are often left sleeping on the streets despite snow, gales and dangerously-cold temperatures.
Many times rough sleeps only have a sleeping bag and cardboard for shelter. We explain what you can do to help.
What should you do if you see a homeless person sleeping rough in the cold and snow?
First things first – you need to tell the right people.
is a good place to start if you're in England or Wales.
A handy app and website allows you to fill out a form which tells the organisation exactly where the rough sleeper is, and when he or she was spotted.
They also have a hotline – 0300 500 0914.
From there, the organisation can connect the person with charities, councils, and support groups that might have a bed or be able to help.
They will usually send an outreach team, commissioned by the local council, to visit the person.
During really cold weather Streetlink has a policy called SWEP – the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol.
The sole aim is getting people off the street and into accommodation to avoid hypothermia or even death.
If you're in Scotland, contact the local council.
If the person looks like they may be under 18, it’s actually advised that you call 999.
Police will be able to collect the person, and provide shelter.
Should you give a homeless person money?
Often it’s not clear if a person’s in real trouble until you stop and talk to them.
A spokesman for , a group focused on battling homelessness, said what you're willing to do depends on what you are comfortable with.
He said: "Whether you give, or what you give, is of course a personal choice.
"Ideas include: Asking if there is anything they need. It could be a hot drink or food, or some spare change, providing blankets or warm clothing, like hats, scarfs, socks or gloves, or simply stopping for a conversation or offering a kind word."
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