High-tech pop-up accommodation for rough sleepers in York
The NAPpads can check if people are still breathing.
Pop-up accommodation for rough sleepers that uses microwave technology to check they are still breathing is being piloted by The Salvation Army in York.
The NAPpads (night-time accommodation project) are fitted with non-invasive vital life signs sensors sensitive enough to detect whether someone has stopped breathing so emergency services can be alerted, giving responders vital minutes to save a life.
The sensors are based on technology used to combat sudden infant death syndrome.
The sleep pads, designed by Protectal Ltd, provide temporary accommodation to help people who are finding it difficult to get off the streets.
City of York Council has temporarily provided land for the scheme and support for those using the pads.
Malcolm Page, Salvation Army assistant director for homelessness services, said: “Sadly, most rough sleepers have multiple health problems as sleeping on the streets is dangerous and tough on the body so these pads mean we can keep people safe as well as warm and dry. A key element in our ‘trauma-informed’ approach, they provide dignified sanctuary from the streets for people who may be suffering from mental health issues.
“People end up being forced to sleep rough for so many reasons which can include poor mental health, addiction, relationship breakdown and job loss. Tackling homelessness is more than offering shelter, it is helping people to move on from the reasons they were forced to sleep on the streets in the first place.”
The sleep pad can keep someone safe using the same amount of energy per night as a domestic light bulb thanks to an energy efficient heating and water system.
Each unit has four sleep pads, which can be moved to different locations to meet local demand.
Former rough sleeper Jay, 19, said: “It would have made such a difference to me – to have a warm bed, a locked door and safety. It would have meant not having to choose the street over a hostel.
“The technology to make sure you are safe is amazing. Knowing that it’s safe and if something goes wrong, someone is going to help you is a comfort. On the streets, if you can’t breathe nobody knows, nobody knows where you are and nobody can call for help. This will be life-saving.”
Denise Craghill, the council’s executive member for housing and safer communities, said: “Our winter plan is designed to ensure that no one needs to sleep out in York as we are providing 27 extra beds in addition to the ones we already have in our hostels and temporary accommodation.
“The NAPpads will supplement them this winter with a further innovative option, particularly for people who are concerned about going into a hostel. The council offers support into a more stable, safer life to anyone sleeping rough and is committed to working with our partners to end rough sleeping.”
York Central MP Rachel Maskell praised the “innovative” project.
She added: “In having the first NAPpad in the country in York, the spotlight will not only be on their success, but on how they move people from the streets to somewhere safe and warm.”
Protectal Co-founder Pete Wood said: “It was vital that the pads offer dignity to occupants as well as helping manage potential risks to them. Potentially, many of the occupants will have been sleeping on the streets for some time and have poor health.
“Early deaths of people exposed to rough-sleeping are common. In residential accommodation, staff can monitor occupants and ensure they are safe. We wanted to offer the same level of care to those who would use the pods, even if only there for a night.”
Referrals can be made via the York EIP hub at 63 Lawrence Street between 10am and noon, Mondays to Fridays, or through referral agencies.