Concerns for rough sleepers across Manchester with freezing conditions expected
The charity, Two Brews, are worried a yellow cold weather alert currently in place could affect vulnerable people
Last updated 12th Jan 2024
As homeless people across Greater Manchester continue to battle the bitter winter conditions, charities fear for the health of those sleeping rough.
Statistics show one in seventy-four people in Manchester are homeless.
Two Brews are on outreach team in Manchester City Centre. They help almost 100 people every single night, regularly running out of food, and hot water.
Lucy is a volunteer: "We are never bringing food home, we always leave completely empty, because there are always people to feed and clothe.
Joe, also a volunteer, said: "Doing this sort of thing you see people come and go, they go into accommodation or sometimes find themselves in prison, and come back out onto the streets...
"But we're seeing a lot more people that we've never seen before, people from all different walks of life as well that are coming out, so it's quite disheartening to see at the moment."
With temperatures expected to drop to freezing next week, Two Brews say the cold weather could put lives at risk.
Volunteer Dean said: "In the past, we've had a few of our regulars that have been sleeping in shop doorways, a few of them have died because of the cold weather, it is really bad!"
Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:
"Our message is really clear. No one has to sleep on the streets, especially when it is this cold.
"Our outreach team pound the streets to offer people accommodation and support throughout the year - but during cold nights like last night they step up those efforts even further and are out round the clock making sure everyone has somewhere safe and warm to go if they are willing to accept the help. We have been able to accommodate 52 people who otherwise would have been out in the cold since last Tuesday. Unfortunately if people do not choose to take up the specific accommodation available, there is very little we can do."