It is getting colder at night and more dangerous for rough sleepers in the Stroud district - how can you help?

Stroud District Council has issued advice explaining how concerned members of the public can alert outreach workers via the StreetLink app or phone number.

A team from the charity P3, which is funded by the council, will then locate the person who is sleeping rough and offer them support, including accommodation.

“We would like the general public to assist us to direct help to vulnerable people rough sleeping in Stroud district,” said the council’s director of customer services, Joanne Jordan.

“Once their locations are known we can organise for P3’s outreach workers to work with individuals - providing them with accommodation, offering transport to take them to it, and continuing to work with them to help them find a more permanent housing solution.”

When the weather becomes more severe, a county-wide Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be actioned and emergency accommodation will be made available for people sleeping rough for the night, and they will be offered support to find more permanent housing.

Members of the public may want to direct rough sleepers to drop-ins on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays run by charity Marah where they can have a free hot meal and access advice and support services from P3.

To get support to vulnerable people on the streets, download the free StreetLink app available on Apple and Android mobile phones, or visit streetlink.org.uk.

Alternatively contact StreetLink on 0300 500 0914.