How to help rough sleepers in Southport and the surrounding area this winter

Sefton Council is highlighting details of where anyone who finds themselves sleeping rough or knows someone who is, can find help and support.

Earlier this month The Big Issue reported that the number of households facing eviction tripled in the three months after Covid protections to keep renters in their homes ended.

And there are fears that the impact of rising living costs and other issues such as the Government’s £20 per week cut in Universal Credit could see evictions rise in the coming months.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “This Council has a long-standing commitment to helping people suffering from homelessness and supporting those rough sleepers who may find themselves in a vulnerable position, without a safe and warm place to call home.

“I am very proud of the work our teams do to help combat rough sleeping.

“Nobody wants to find themselves bedding down for the night on a cold pavement or stairwell and we are fully aware that with each new day, people may find themselves in need of support through absolutely no fault of their own.

“That is why we continue to urge the public to report an incident of rough sleeping in Sefton, by calling the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team via Light for Life on 01704 501256 or 07918 746042 outside normal office hours and weekends.’’

People can provide details of the location and any description of anyone they suspect is sleeping rough by emailing [email protected] or [email protected].

Veterans in Sefton (ViS) has also been commissioned to provide support to people who are currently serving or who have served in the Armed Forces. This covers regulars and reservists, their families and their dependents, who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

ViS is based at The Brunswick Youth and Community Centre in Bootle. For any further help and information from ViS people can call 0151 933 0800 or 07591 825204 out-of-hours assistance.