Team hits streets to bring homeless in from the cold

THE council is stepping up its efforts to support people living on the borough’s streets as the cold weather continues.

Dedicated volunteers have been hitting the streets to speak to each person, give them support and help them find a place to stay.

Staff from the council’s partner organisations have also been visiting foodbanks and other places where people on the streets can go to for support to speak to them about what help they need and how they can access accommodation.

While a number of emergency beds are available all year round, the council and its partners also booked some additional accommodation this year to help people over the Christmas period.

Councillor Neil Emmott, cabinet member for housing and environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We work hard all year to support people who are on the streets, in partnership with organisations like Petrus and the Sanctuary Trust. But we know that people are particularly vulnerable during the winter, so we always put extra measures in place at this time of year.

“We know that this is only a short term solution, so a lot of our resources go into projects which help get people off the streets permanently by addressing the issues that lead to homelessness.”

As well as funding emergency overnight accommodation, the council also commissions specialist accommodation for people with complex needs. Along with its partners, it also organises help with jobs, training, counselling and advice with benefits to help people build a permanent life away from the streets.

Members of the public who would like to support people on the streets can donate online at bigchangerochdale. co.uk.

All donations are split between local homelessness charities. ●●Housing and environment chief Neil Emmott (inset) said Rochdale council always put extra measures in place in winter to support people living on the streets

“We work hard all year to support people who are on the streets”