Homeless at risk of trench foot from bad weather, warns charity
A homeless charity is warning the mixture of cold and wet weather could lead to severe respiratory issues and trench foot for people sleeping rough
Last updated 15th Jan 2025
A homeless charity is warning the mixture of cold and wet weather could lead to severe respiratory issues and trench foot for people sleeping rough.
Its estimated there were over 170 individuals sleeping rough in Wales last year.
Jamie-Lee Cole from The Wallich, which provides shelters across the country, says some people are having to sleep on church floors.
"Emergency cold weather provisions have been activated in most local authorities across Wales.
"This means that additional shelter and accommodation has been brought in to get people out of the cold and into safety.
"What that looks like depends across the regions but it could be sleeping on church floors."
"Throughout the night it's been really challenging, there's a few people we're concerned about their respiratory issues that were pre-existing.
"The wet plus the cold also gives additional concerns, so things like trench foot if you can believe it."
Wallich gave their advice to members of the public to help people sleeping rough:
- Check on their welfare, ask what they need
- Clue up on support services in your area
- Avoid drink and drugs to keep the cold away
- Find out if your local charity need any Winter essentials
Jamie-Lee Cole continues:
"This morning in Cardiff we saw 15 people who still slept out last night.
"This cold is bitter, I spoke with some of our outreach workers who are really concerned about the people who are still out.
"When we go out with outreach we will give provisions like hats and coats."
The homeless charity Huggard says every bed space within their organisation is full every night - however, people who are homeless can still go to them for a hot meal, a warm, safe space to rest and help in finding somewhere to stay.
Gas supplier Centrica is warning levels in the UK are 'concerningly low'.
The company says less than a week's worth available due to the weather.
It's also blaming being unable to build up stocks due to a lack of investment.
The Met Office says it's expected to be very cold again overnight - with a frost in parts of Wales.