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Bradford Council’s Cold Weather Provision for Rough Sleepers
Every night of the year, Bradford Council’s outreach teams are out on the streets across the district, offering support to rough sleepers. When the temperatures are set to fall below zero – as they are this weekend - we put special provision in place to make sure no-one has to sleep outside.
The Cold Weather Provision is a multi-agency partnership, commissioned by Bradford Council, that provides emergency bed spaces across Bradford for people experiencing rough sleeping on freezing winter nights. When the temperature is due to fall to zero or below from 1 October until 30 April, the Council’s partners provide emergency beds so no-one has to endure the coldest nights on the streets.
It is a service described by one 23-year old as ‘amazing.’ Jack has been homeless and sleeping rough on and off for five years in Bradford city centre. He said: “It’s hard on the streets at any time but I’ve had Christmases in a tent, when it’s been so cold. When you’re on the streets you know when the temperature’s dropping and you know people can die in their tents.
“The Cold Weather Provision definitely works. I’ve made use of it myself - it’s amazing and it saves people’s lives. Making sure people are warm and giving them a cooked meal means everything. I have been supported into accommodation now too and the team have been wonderful.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Severe cold weather increases the risk to people sleeping rough. Snow, freezing temperatures and icy winds can be life-threatening. When temperatures drop below zero, our provision means that those vulnerable people can have a warm place to stay indoors.
“An offer of accommodation is available to people sleeping rough when the temperatures fall. And of course, we recognise that these people may have complex support needs all year round and our teams offer support and ways into accommodation all year round too. We won’t give up on anyone no matter how difficult their situation may be.”
As soon as the temperatures fall the Cold Weather Provision is open and outreach workers will be out. Anyone worried about someone sleeping rough in the district can use the Street Link app or visit www.streetlink.org.uk to help connect them with local services.
Referrals to the provision can be made in person at Discovery House, 133 Barkerend Road, BD3 9AU Saturday – Sunday, 1pm-4pm, or the Salvation Army, 371 Leeds Road, BD3 9NG, Monday – Friday 9am-3pm. Referrals can also be made over the phone on 01274 309165 and through Bradford Council’s Housing Options Service. A brief assessment will be undertaken to assess a suitable bed space for the person. Work will be also undertaken to assess the person’s needs and explore long term options for support.