Charity asks us to check on rough sleepers amid high temperatures
Alabaré says we can report rough sleepers needing help through StreetLink
A charity in Wiltshire is asking us to check in on rough sleepers during the high temperatures to ensure that they get the help they need.
High temperatures are putting people living on the streets are serious risk of health emergencies, such as dehydration and heat stroke, leading to Alabaré urging us to report cases where people are struggling.
The charity's Operational Director, Naomi Webb, said: "Even a few hot days can quickly lead to dehydration and serious illness and in the worst case fatalities. Often with the trauma of fresh sleeping comes addictions and those suffering specifically with alcohol addiction, it does make them more risky and more susceptible to heat stroke."
She added that the organisations drop-in services are providing support for rough sleepers at Alabaré Place in Salisbury and the Comfort Zone in Chippenham.
"Our doors are open. We're providing bottled water and sun cream to prevent that sunburn and dehydration. We're here to give food, cool showers, cool spaces and we can also link in with relevant agencies," Naomi said.
Wiltshire Council has stepped up its outreach provision, meaning it is making more regular checks to find people rough sleeping and find them emergency accommodation in severe weather.
We can refer homeless people to a local authority via the StreetLink website, which records the location of a rough sleeper, allowing council officers to find them and try to find a solution for that person.