Support for rough sleepers during cold weather

As well as the usual accommodation the council provides throughout the year, extra emergency spaces are available for rough sleepers who want shelter from the cold and those who are at risk of having to sleep on the street.

The Street Homeless Prevention Team is carrying out more outreach work on the streets to locate rough sleepers and encouraging those found sleeping out to accept help.

Here are five of the best ways members of the public can help:

Report your concerns

If you are worried about a rough sleeper, please email streethomeless@southampton.gov.uk. It is useful if you can share some information about the person, including a description, and where and when you saw them.

Please call 999 if you see someone who is unwell or distressed. Do not put yourself in danger or approach someone acting strangely, even to help.

Encourage rough sleepers to visit the Homeless Day Centre

People needing emergency shelter can approach us themselves by attending the Homeless Day Centre at 30 Cranbury Avenue, Southampton SO14 0LT.

The day centre is open daily, 10am-2pm. It provides facilities for people to have a shower, use the laundry, enjoy a hot meal, access IT equipment, and receive health advice from medical professionals.

Give responsibly

Many people feel much more comfortable donating to established charities, to make sure money goes towards someone who is homeless, rather than someone begging to sustain an addiction. You could offer someone a hot drink or some food, or simply stop to chat to them for a while.

Volunteer

If you are interested in doing more to help rough sleepers in the city, please visit Street Support, where you can find lots of information and advice about volunteering.

Change The Way You Give

This initiative enables people to support rough sleepers by donating through GoFundMe. The donations go straight to local charities Two Saints, No Limits and Society of St James.