Extreme temperatures, including hot weather, can considerably increase the risk to a person who is sleeping/living on the streets and does not have access to basic facilities. Very high temperatures can cause dehydration, confusion and can cause complications to existing medical conditions.
As a partnership, the Haringey Rough Sleeping Taskforce has committed to ensuring there is provision to ensure anyone rough sleeping in Haringey can access shade, water and sun-cream to protect themselves from the heat. The hot weather provision, which has been activated for the duration of this week, includes the following:
• Providing additional daytime outreach shifts to target those who are most vulnerable
• Keeping bottled water and sun-cream on our provider’s premises to be given out to anyone who accesses hot weather SWEP
• Providing a place in the shade for people who are rough sleeping to sit for a few hours during the hottest part of the day
• Providing a place to shower/wash during the day-time
• Signposting to local services to provide housing advice/assessment/support
In addition, GLA-funded outreach services will be distributing water and sun cream, carrying out additional welfare checks, and directing people towards local options for day-time shelter.
Streetlink has a website and phone number to make reports:
Website: streetlink.org.uk
Phone: 0300 500 0914
You can also download the Streetlink app, to enable you to refer people that you think are rough sleeping quickly and easily.
Cllr Emine Ibrahim, Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal, said:
Extremely high temperatures are particularly dangerous for those who are sleeping on the streets. We want people to know that there is support and facilities available in Haringey for those in need of them.