How to help people sleeping rough during cold weather
The cold weather can be dangerous if you don’t have access to warm clothes or shelter. Find out how to keep yourself and others safe during low temperatures.
Alcohol, drugs and cold weather
Drinking alcohol can make you think you are warm. But the ‘beer jacket’ is just a myth. When you drink, your body temperature lowers, it’s just your skin that feels warm. This is down to blood vessels underneath the skin expanding to allow more blood and heat to flow through them. But this takes heat away from the rest of your body and your internal organs.
Some drugs also affect your body temperature. A lot of side effects of taking drugs are also similar to side effects of hypothermia. It’s important to ask for help if you start to feel unwell.
How to help people sleeping rough during cold weather
There are many ways you can help the most vulnerable during the colder months, including people sleeping on the streets. You can donate items to homeless charities, such as:
- Warm jumpers and coats
- Hats, scarves, and gloves
- Socks
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
Donating food will also help those most vulnerable to the cold. If you see someone sleeping on the streets, you could also buy them a hot meal or hot drink.
You can use the website StreetLink to let your local authority or local outreach service know that there is someone who needs their help. They will try to find the person at the location you logged on StreetLink and help them find a warm bed and the support they need.
Other support
You can find our local outreach service, who will be able to advise which items need donating and where you can drop them off.
The housing charity Shelter has a guide on how to support people sleeping on the streets, which includes information on available support.
The British Red Cross website shares guidance on providing first aid for someone with hypothermia. You should always call 999 if you come across someone you think has hypothermia, and these tips will help keep them safe until the ambulance arrives.
Many local authorities and their partners provide emergency provision during periods of cold or severe weather for anyone who needs help - including those who do not have recourse to public funds. If there is a forecast of at least three nights in a row with a minimum temperature of zero degrees celsius or lower, the local authority's emergency response kicks in. The provision will vary by region, but could include a bed in a shelter; warm, dry clothes; food or washing facilities.