Fears For Acton's Street Sleepers as Temperatures Dip

Freezing weather spells danger for many

Concern is growing for a number of people who are believed to be sleeping rough in freezing conditions in Acton.

Temperatures have dipped but the group have pitched up and have placed their makeshift beds alongside the Town Hall.

Ealing Council say they have been made aware  of them and emergency accommodation has been offered.

Cllr Jasbir Anand, Cabinet member for Housing said: “Because of the prolonged period of extreme cold weather our outreach workers have been approaching all rough sleepers we’re aware of to offer them emergency shelter, though unfortunately some do not choose to take up the offer. 

''The rough sleepers at Acton Town Hall were all offered emergency accommodation on Friday and while the cold weather continues our outreach service, provided by St Mungos, will continue to visit all the locations where people are known to sleep rough to offer help. 

'' If anyone sees rough sleepers during this cold weather they should call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 with information about the exact location and this will be passed to our outreach team.” 

StreetLink is a national government funded organisation, which can be contacted about homeless people anywhere in the UK.

They say: ''Anyone can become homeless, and sleeping rough can be dangerous and can damage your health. The longer someone sleeps rough, the greater the risk that they will become trapped on the streets and vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime, developing drug or alcohol problems, or experiencing problems with their health.

''Rough sleepers may not be known to local services because they remain out of sight, bedding down at different times of day or night, and moving from place to place.Not all rough sleepers are aware that advice and support is available to them.''

Their 24 hour hotline is on 0300 5000914, or you can download the StreetLink app on smart phones.

You can fill in an online form to report anyone you are concerned about.

20 January 2016