Officials urge residents to seek shelter as cold snap hits

A Liverpool homelessness charity has stepped up support for people sleeping rough as freezing temperatures grip the region.

The Whitechapel Centre said it is operating “around the clock” to ensure vulnerable people are kept safe during the cold snap. Chief executive Dave Carter said additional measures are already in place to protect those at risk.

“Our priority is to find people, make contact with them and do everything we can to bring them indoors,” he said.

Liverpool City Council has activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which allows rough sleepers to access emergency, short-term accommodation when conditions become dangerous.

Mr Carter said the charity’s outreach teams work 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the winter months. He added that demand typically rises over the Christmas period.

“For many people it’s a joyful time spent with family, but for others it can be a stark reminder of isolation and exclusion,” he said. “We always see an increase in need at this time of year.”

He warned that winter weather brings added risks, with prolonged cold posing a serious threat to life.

“That’s why we are focused on making sure there is a bed or safe accommodation available for everyone we encounter,” he said.