ROUGH sleepers in Christchurch are being given a helping hand this winter thanks to a charity.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has ordered cold weather packs to hand out to those sleeping rough in alleys, doorways and bus shelters across the borough.

Members began handing them out this week and have put plans to open a local centre in Christchurch on hold while they help those in need.

President of the Society Tony Groom said the finalisation of administrative matters would take second place to those who needed help.

The cold weather packs contain a thermal foil blanket, thermal gloves and socks, a knitted hat, toothbrush and toothpaste.

The group is currently based at St Joseph’s Church in Purewell and as well as helping rough sleepers, aim to reach out to the elderly and lonely.

The society said its members would monitor the situation over the winter to see whether cold weather packs would be enough or if more needed to be done.

Steve Duckett, head of health and housing at Christchurch council, said they are ‘committed’ to preventing people reaching the ‘crisis point’ of homelessness.

If temperatures are below freezing for three nights, the council’s severe weather emergency protocol kicks in, and they find temporary accommodation for them.

Reaching homeless

Since December 1, a Dorset-wide service called Dorset Street Homeless Outreach Team has been run by EDP Drug & Alcohol Services to deliver a street homeless outreach service.

They aim to reduce rough sleeping through a number of measures including short-term shelter and helping to find long-term housing.

They also help to reconnect individuals to their local area.