'Critical time' to prepare for peak winter period, says Worcestershire homelessness charity
Maggs Day Centre says it sees a 'dramatic change' in the support it needs to provide for the drop in temperatures where demand usually is at its peak
The change in temperatures alongside the upcoming winter period is the 'most worrying time' says a Worcestershire homelessness charity.
It follows the end of the warmest summer on record which the Met Office have confirmed temperature on average from 1 June to 31 August was 16.10°C and broke the previous record of 15.76°C set in 2018.
Maggs Day Centre is based in Worcester and Malvern and supports people across the area dealing with, or facing homelessness.
Fundraising, communications and relationships manager Melissa Blewitt says the charity is bracing itself for an increase in demand.
"As soon as the weather starts to turn colder we see a real increase in the number of people coming to us for help," she said.
"People who may have just managed to get by in the summer months really struggle when the temperatures drop.
"In winter the type of support we give changes dramatically, warm coats, hats, gloves, sleeping bags and thermal socks become essential along with hot meals, without these basics people face serious health risks such as hyperthermia."
Throughout the summer several hot Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) were put in place where temperatures got exceptionally high to provide extra support for those who were homeless, with similar support available in the winter when it's forecast to be 0°C or below.
Blewitt also says now is a 'critical time' for the charity with their 'harvest appeal' which allows them to make sure they can support those who need it.
She said: "Winter comes with it's own challenges for us as well, summer donations deplete rapidly and that's where our winter supply of donations are so crucial because they kind of cover us for the summer.
"Cold wet weather also makes rough sleeping incredibly dangerous and increased demand on our services.
"Any donations we do get in though really make a difference and help us through the difficult winter months and make sure we can keep providing that support."