Local homelessness charity launches urgent appeal for sun cream
Their supplies to give to homeless people are running low
As we expect an extreme weather warning to come into force in the next few days, a local homelessness charity has launched an urgent appeal.
HARP, based in Southend, is asking for donations of sun cream, hats and bottled water to help those on the streets stay safe during the heat wave.
Gary Turner, Director of Service Operations at the charity says: “Sun-tan lotion, hats and water are crucial. We did have a good stock of them but with this prolonged spell of hot weather, we’ve run out very quickly...
“Any form of extreme weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening to people living on the streets. Exposure to high temperatures without shelter or hydration can be extremely dangerous."
Gary also notes individuals can do their bit to help rough sleepers too: "Just be nice to people, be interested in them. Buy them something if they say they’re hungry, give them some water, that’s my advice.”
The advice also applies to people's pets in the hot weather: "We also have to think about anyone sleeping rough with pets. It’s important that the pets are also kept in the shade, watered – they can suffer heatstroke in hot weather just like people.”
If you are concerned about someone you've seen sleeping rough in these extreme temperatures, Gary recommends directing them to HARP or says: "You can contact Streetlink so that our Outreach Team can respond quickly, or, if the situation is urgent, emergency services."