Charities across the city are appealing for the public to donate water to the homeless as Merseyside bakes in a heatwave.
Temperatures are predicted to reach 35C in Liverpool today, hitting the city's homeless community the hardest. With no place to store water or find shade, it's making the temperatures unbearable.
An outreach team from leading homeless charity The Whitechapel Centre has been handing out sun cream and hats to help homeless people protect themselves from the sun, but making sure people stay hydrated is a big concern.
The centre's fundraising manager, Ruth McCaughley said: “The heatwave is dangerous enough, but if people are drinking alcohol as well it can cause rapid dehydration and lead to sunstroke and heat stroke. Many of our clients don’t feel comfortable or welcome going into venues to refill their water bottles, so it’s essential that we take the donations out onto the street.
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“This also gives us an opportunity to check on people, pass on advice about keeping safe and out of direct sunshine but also to call for medical help if needed. Our outreach team are out daily, giving out hats, water and sun cream to anyone who needs it.
“We have been encouraging clients to visit our centre on Langsdale Street for a shower and fresh clothing, as well as offering accommodation so they can come indoors.”
The Whitechapel Centre is meeting Liverpool City Council and the YMCA throughout the heatwave to form and review plans to support rough sleepers. Whitechapel staff are helping the YMCA to open its doors to people who need a shower and to sit in the shade.
Many rough sleepers and homeless people are faced with a tough decision as some hostels don’t accept dogs.
Care For The Paw founder Jan Hughes said: “If the owner is told they can come in, but their dog cannot, they will leave. They look after their dog. The dogs drink before they do because they mean so much to them.”
The charity offers free veterinary care to rough sleepers and homeless’ dogs. They are based on 157 Duke Street, in an office at the Phoenix Foundation. The number of dogs on the street with their owners changes each week, with the charity supporting around 10 different dogs and owners in one night.
Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care Cllr Frazer Lake said: “As well as responding to calls and reports made to the helpline, the Outreach Team will be on the streets, proactively visiting places where people are rough sleeping.
“They will be offering help to anyone they find, including a safe place to stay and providing practical support like cold drinks and sunscreen.
If you need support or know someone who does call 0300 123 2041.
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