Concern for rough sleepers as temperatures plummet

Pete Hinchliffe

Concern has been expressed for the borough’s homeless, particularly for rough-sleepers, as Severe Emergency Weather Provision (SWEP) has been activated according to homelessness charity Crisis.

The charity has called on all local authorities to fulfill their obligations to protect rough sleepers to ensure that rough sleepers are given the opportunity to be offered refuge from the deadly cold. Nationally there has been a 23% increase in rough sleepers. 

Crisis Chief Executive, Leslie Murphy, said: “Freezing conditions can prove fatal for people sleeping on the streets. The average age of death for a homeless person is just 47.”

Locally, much concern has been expressed following a 163.16% increase in homelessness figures in the borough and following council cuts, which led to the slashing of emergency bed provision and the closure of Providence House. In the wake of this, ‘Chill-Out’, a local campaigning group was formed, with the support of Rochdale Online, to raise awareness of the issue.

Last week, the government announced that a cash injection of £1.2 million would be made available to provide additional assistance to help homeless people secure accommodation in support of the Private Rented Sector Assistance Scheme run by Crisis. Of the 23 organisations named as helping to deliver the extended programme, the nearest two to Rochdale are based in Crewe and Kirklees.

Speaking for ‘Chill-Out’, Co-organiser Pete Hinchliffe told Rochdale Online: “Although locally, we have anecdotal evidence that the ’No Second Night Out’ initiative seems to have worked well in Heywood, the recent drop in temperature is a concern to us and we have contacted the council to ensure that SWEP provisions have been activated or if not, what other provisions have been put in place to protect this vulnerable group? We are awaiting their response.”

Father Paul Daly the Roman Catholic Parish Priest who has worked closely with ‘Chill-Out’ and other organisations dealing with Heywood’s homeless confirmed that the ‘No Second Night Out’ has worked well on the ground although there can be a time lapse of several hours between identifying someone in need and arranging a face-to-face meeting with someone able to offer practical assistance.

RMBC is currently reviewing their Homelessness Strategy for the Borough. RMBC Strategic Housing is working with Housing Quality Network, an independent organisation, to examine the delivery services and support households at risk of homelessness in the Borough in order identify options for meeting anticipated future need.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/72068/massive-increase-in-homeless