Northampton winter shelter sees surge in young people sleeping rough
Staff report an increase in younger visitors who are struggling to secure accommodation
A winter night shelter in Northampton which opened its doors on Monday 5th January, has seen an increase in younger people that are sleeping rough in the town.
Visitors to the shelter located at the Holy Sepulchre Community Rooms on Church Lane, are offered a warm space to sleep and provided hot drinks during freezing winter months.
Men and women can use the shelter, which is funded by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ran by the Northampton Hope Centre team.
The shelter follows the West Northamptonshire Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which comes into effect when temperatures stay below 0°C for three nights or during periods of severe weather.
Damon Boughen, Grants Manager at The Hope Centre, reports the shelter is seeing a shift in who’s coming in this year. He said: ''We've got a lot more people who are coming in aged 18, 19 and 20. Not so long ago it would've been mainly people in their thirties or forties.
''There's more young people coming straight out of education and not being able to find themselves a home, along with the challenges that presents.''
Boughen describes the shelter as ''vital to the community'' as it helps to prevent people sleeping outdoors in the freezing cold.
Boughen said: ''We are potentially saving lives. They're visitors are also saying it's the first good night's sleep they've had in in a long while.''
They've visitors have not had to be concerned about being assaulted during the night, or worried if they're going to develop a bad, cold, or even the flu.'' He added.
During the day, visitors can access Hope’s day centre at Oasis House for hot meals, showers, and personal support with issues like money management, addiction, and mental health.
Outreach teams will be out across West Northamptonshire to make sure anyone at risk knows help is available.
To find out more visit The Hope Centre website.