As the temperatures are set to hit 30 degrees in London this weekend, a homeless charity in Deptford has issued information on how to help people sleeping rough.
The 999 Club has warned scorching temperatures can cause dangerous situations for people on the streets which impact their mental and physical health,
According to the charity, the homeless are more at risk of heatstroke and dehydration in hot weather - while verbal and physical attacks also on the rise.
As more and more people stay out later on hot summer evenings, it can be harder for the homeless to find a safe place to sleep on the streets.
If you are concerned for the safety of someone sleeping rough, the charity advises you to follow these steps:
- Offer to buy them food and water - Many homeless people are turned away from cafes when they are looking for drinking water, which can lead to dehydration
- Give them a hat or an umbrella - This will reduce the risk of heatstroke and heat exhaustion when people are struggling to find shade
- Buy them some suncream - Lots of homeless people complain of sunburn from being in direct sunlight with no protection
- Get in touch with StreetLink - You can use their website to report anyone sleeping rough by giving details about where and when you saw them
- Donate to your local homelessness charity - Visit Homeless Link to find out about charities and shelters near you
This year, the 999 Club's Night Shelter will open its doors to those in need once again after receiving £191,000 of funding from the government.
The emergency shelter can house up to 25 people at a time where they can find safety and support to get back on their feet.
Marc (not his real name), has said his experience staying at the Night Shelter has been "supportive."
He added: "I have made connections and been given the opportunity to move to more permanent shared housing.
"The night shelter is a valuable and much-needed service in a community now impacted by homelessness.”
Dr Louisa Snow, head of operations at the 999 Club, said: “The summer can be very hard for people who are on the streets.
"People who come in to our Night Shelter say it’s difficult to find a safe, secluded place to sleep and they are more in fear of being attacked or being the victims of anti-social behaviour during the light nights.”
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