WINTER is one of the most challenging times of the year for the homeless.

The number of people sleeping rough in Cheshire West and Chester has risen this year.

Between April and November, the council’s outreach team made contact with 312 people, up from 222 in the same period the previous year.

A spokesperson for the council said the cost-of-living may have had a part to play in this, adding that the situation on the whole has worsened since the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Although it is difficult to confirm a direct link to the cost-of-living crisis, 25 per cent of customers now presenting to the council at risk of homelessness are due to the household being served a section 21 notice from their private rented sector landlord,” the spokesperson said.

“The number of households needing to access emergency accommodation due to homelessness has not gone back to pre-pandemic figures.

“During 2019 /20 the average number of households in emergency accommodation was 42 per month and so far, this year the average number of households in emergency accommodation per month is 167.

“Since April 2023 up to October 31 our outreach team have made contact with 312 people who were found rough sleeping. This figure was 222 for the same period last year.

“The majority of people are accommodated quickly but a small cohort are long term rough sleepers.”

Northwich Guardian: The number of rough sleepers CWAC has made contact with has risen in 2023 The number of rough sleepers CWAC has made contact with has risen in 2023 (Image: PA)

How you can help others or get the support you need

There are three main charities that support homeless people in Cheshire West and Chester.

They are Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH), SHARE and Soul Kitchen.

CATH and SHARE both have volunteer opportunities available and information about how to make donations can be found on their respective websites.

If you yourself are homeless or threatened with homelessness, you should contact the council’s housing options team on 0808 175 3595 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am - 4.30pm) and (Wednesday 1pm - 4.30pm).

You can also report a rough sleeper on this number or via thestreetlink.org.uk.

Outside of officer hours, those in need of accommodation can ring 0300 123 7035.

This number is not for general housing advice but for people who require emergency accommodation.

With December to February being the coldest months of the year, the council also has a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol in place.

This will be activated when conditions are at their worse, ensuring rough sleepers are kept off the streets and provided warm spaces throughout the borough.

More information about the support available can be found on the council website at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/housing/housing-advice-and-homelessness.