"It's so cold you can't sleep": homeless in Shropshire on freezing temperatures

The West Midlands has been placed in an Amber Cold Health Alert until Saturday 23 November at 6.00pm.

It means vulnerable people in the region may be at risk as they struggle to heat their homes.

The UKHSA also say we may see a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Alongside impacts on younger age groups.

The Shrewsbury Ark are a dedicated day centre for homeless and vulnerable people in the area.

They say they are the only thing like it in Shropshire.

At this time of year, they encourage people to donate what they can, including clothes and coats for the added pressure they expect over the winter months.

Kim Tunbridge works at the centre who give out hot meals throughout the day, including breakfast: "We use around 30 eggs each morning and 15 tins of beans.

"If someone wanted to do something they could just drop off some eggs. We would be so grateful because those are the things we desperately need," she said.

**_"You just walk about to keep warm"_**

Philip Martin attends the day centre and is about to spend his third winter sleeping rough.

He said that the winter nights can be so cold, you can't even sleep: "I wear four pairs of trousers at night. I have three pairs of socks on too.

"On top, I wear a vest, t-shirt, shirt, jacket and another coat that goes over that. Layers are important.

"You just walk about to keep warm. Or, find sheltered spaces like behind a building," he said.

He encouraged anyone that is sleeping rough this winter to seek support.

Shrewsbury Ark is a day centre that anyone vulnerable or sleeping rough can attend five days a week at no cost.