How to Stay Safe as Temperatures Begin to Drop: Support for People Facing Homelessness This Winter

As temperatures begin to fall, winter can become one of the most dangerous times of year for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Cold weather brings serious risks to physical and mental health, particularly for people sleeping rough or staying in temporary accommodation. But support is available.

Whether you’re worried about losing your home, currently sleeping on the streets or concerned about someone else, reaching out early can make a real difference. No one should have to face winter alone; and there are organisations, local authorities and community services ready to help.

This guide explains how to stay safe during cold weather, recognise the signs that someone may be in danger and find support if you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness this winter.

Why is winter particularly dangerous for people experiencing homelessness?

Cold weather can affect anyone, but people experiencing homelessness are often exposed to additional risks. Spending long periods outside, having limited access to warm clothing, struggling to stay dry or living without stable accommodation can all increase the likelihood of serious illness.

During winter, people experiencing homelessness may face:

• Hypothermia
• Frostbite
• Chest infections and respiratory illnesses
• Worsening long-term health conditions
• Reduced access to food and warm spaces
• Increased isolation and poorer mental wellbeing

Even if you’re not sleeping rough, living in unsuitable accommodation, staying with friends temporarily or facing eviction can make it much harder to stay safe and well during the colder months.

Signs that the cold is becoming dangerous

It is important to recognise when cold weather is affecting your health or the health of someone around you.

Early signs of hypothermia can include:

• Shivering that will not stop
• Feeling extremely cold or numb
• Slurred speech
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Feeling unusually tired or drowsy
• Slow breathing or a weak pulse
• Pale, cold or blue skin

If someone is confused, unconscious or struggling to breathe, call 999 immediately; as hypothermia can quickly become life-threatening.

Practical ways to stay safe during cold weather

Keep warm and dry

Staying dry is just as important as staying warm.

If possible:

• Wear several layers of clothing instead of one thick layer
• Keep spare socks dry
• Change out of wet clothing as soon as you can
• Wear a hat, gloves and warm footwear
• Use blankets or sleeping bags to add insulation

Find warm places during the day

Spending time indoors can help reduce the risks associated with prolonged exposure to the cold.

Warm spaces may include:

• Libraries
• Community centres
• Day centres
• Faith organisations
• Support services
• Cafés or public buildings where appropriate

If you are unsure what is available locally, your council or local homelessness services may be able to advise.

This is only a temporary solution. If you haven’t done so already, you might want to get in touch with your local council to register as homeless as well as seek support from local services.

Get support here.

Find your local council here.

Eat and drink regularly

Food helps your body maintain its temperature. Try to eat regular meals where possible and drink enough fluids throughout the day.

Warm drinks can also help you stay comfortable, but alcohol can increase the risk of hypothermia because it lowers your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Keep your phone charged

If you have access to a mobile phone, keeping it charged can help you:

Contact support services

Access emergency accommodation information

Stay in touch with family, friends or support workers

Call for help in an emergency

Many libraries, community hubs and support services offer charging facilities.

What is SWEP?

During periods of severe weather, many local authorities activate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, often known as SWEP.

SWEP provides emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough when conditions become particularly dangerous. The exact criteria can vary between local authorities, but the aim is to prevent people from being exposed to life-threatening weather.

If temperatures drop significantly and you are sleeping rough, contact your local council, local outreach team or homelessness service to find out whether SWEP has been activated in your area.

How to help someone sleeping rough during winter

If you are worried about someone experiencing homelessness, there are ways you can help.

If someone appears seriously unwell

Call 999 immediately if someone:

• Is unconscious
• Appears confused or disoriented
• Has difficulty breathing
• Shows signs of severe hypothermia

If someone is sleeping on the streets

If it is safe to do so:

• Ask if they are okay
• Let them know support may be available
• Contact local outreach services
• Use StreetLink to connect people sleeping rough with support
• Offer a warm drink or practical help if appropriate

Treating people with kindness, dignity and compassion can make a significant difference.

Homelessness support is available

Experiencing homelessness can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Across the UK, charities, councils and support services help people:

• Prevent homelessness
• Access accommodation
• Maintain tenancies
• Improve mental wellbeing
• Build long-term stability and independence

At P3, we work alongside people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity to provide practical support, advice and opportunities to move forward. Whether someone needs help to keep their home, access accommodation or rebuild their confidence, support is available.