ROUGH sleepers who are facing the harsh winter weather and ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic are being offered a helping hand.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the Homelessness Taskforce, and partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors, have set out a joint winter plan with the aim of protecting people sleeping rough across the region.
As part of the plan, the partners will work together to identify local solutions to ensure that individuals are helped to move away from sleeping on the streets for good.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have consistently looked to reduce the number of people sleeping rough and ensure everyone in the West Midlands has a safe, secure, and warm place to stay.
“However, we know it is important to ramp up our efforts in winter as there are increased risks associated with sleeping rough during the colder months.
“Tireless efforts by our region’s local authorities and partners in the private, public, and voluntary sectors mean we can continue to address the pressing issue of homelessness and help those people who need it the most.”
For more information or to contact StreetLink, visit https://www.streetlink.org.uk/ or call 0300 500 0914