Temperatures are plummeting and this could spell danger for people sleeping rough on the streets of Liverpool.
The cold weather means that Liverpool City Council has now activated what is known as the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol in the city. This means that special arrangements are put in place to try and protect those sleeping rough and those who are particularly vulnerable in the cold.
The city council's outreach service is delivered by the Whitechapel Centre, a homelessness charity based in Langsdale Street. The charity's outreach team is now out 24 hours a day, encouraging anyone who is sleeping rough to come indoors and access emergency accommodation.
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Under the Always Help Available plan, anyone who is worried about someone sleeping rough is urged to call the outreach team on 03001232041. You can also make an online referral to the Whitechapel Centre here.
In a statement, the charity said: "The Whitechapel Centre is co-ordinating the Liverpool outreach response to rough sleeping as part of the Always Help Available campaign. By providing us with information about someone you think may be sleeping rough you will be helping us ensure no one ever needs to sleep for a second night on the street.
"Our vision is that no one will live on the streets of Liverpool and no individual arriving on the streets for the first time will sleep out for more than one night. Through dedicated outreach services we will provide a rapid response to ensure appropriate solutions to rough sleeping. Help us to achieve this and ensure no one sleeps on the streets of Liverpool for a second night by telling us about anyone you think may be sleeping rough."
Liverpool Council cabinet member Cllr Harry Doyle said: "Temperature overnight has been brutal. I had a bottle of water completely freeze overnight in my car. It's a scary time of year for anyone who is rough sleeping. Please know there is support."
Michelle Langan, who runs the Papercup homeless charity in the city added: "Its bitterly cold. Imagine sleeping outside in this. We will be busy."
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