JANUARY’S cold snap has been tough for many but none more so than Southampton’s homeless community.
When overnight temperatures fall below zero and many of us are tucked up in bed under the covers, rough sleepers are exposed to the elements more than ever.
“I'm out here all day and all night and I'm still shivering from yesterday”, said Charlotte, 24, who’s made a walkway of Above Bar Street her home.
“Every day is freezing, and it doesn’t help that I’m asthmatic as it can affect my chest.
“Fortunately, I've got a blanket, I'd be even worse off without that."
Charlotte has called the streets her home for five years.
She said: “I'm originally from London and moved to Southampton when I was 13.
“I've been on the streets since I was 19, and I'm now 24.
“I've had drug issues and family problems in the past, I left home and had nowhere to go."
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Also forced to spend the night on Southampton’s pavements is 63-year-old Brian, who takes up a corner overlooking the Bargate.
A stroke survivor who’s been homeless for three months, Brian said: “The cold weather isn't good for me at my age.
“It cuts right through to the bone."
Freezing conditions have seen the city’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) activated, with it due to expire at 9am tomorrow.
Southampton City Council has increased its support for rough sleepers with emergency shelters being made available.
Trevor Pickup, Chief Executive of Southampton homeless charity – The Society of St. James – highlighted some of the dangers rough sleepers are facing in the low temperatures.
He said: “If you live on the street for an extended period of time, you can become ill during the winter months because you’re constantly breathing in the damp air, and you could develop respiratory diseases.
“Something that people might not always consider is that there is a risk of frostbite too.
"Many years ago, I knew a man who had to have his toes amputated because of it.”
Speaking about what the homeless community can do to combat this, Trevor said: “We encourage people to find shelter in a building where they can, so they are less exposed to the elements and of course if they’re able to cover themselves with a blanket or even sheets of cardboard, that can make a difference.”
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