'My feet are turning to ice and I can’t feel them'

As freezing temperatures hit, charities' warm spaces are providing a lifeline to rough sleepers left “shaking” in the snow.

Community hubs and churches are accommodating homeless people after a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated in Bristol and Somerset.

“It’s wet, it’s cold,” said Link, who has been living in a tent at Bristol’s Bearpit for seven years. “I’ve had mates die of exposure, from just not having enough blankets.”

“My feet are turning to ice and I can’t feel them,” said Geordie, who is also sleeping in the Bearpit.

SWEP is a plan by councils and charities to provide emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather conditions.

“A particular risk factor on this activation was significant snowfall and sleet,” said David Ingerslev from homelessness charity St Mungos.

“So the potential is, if it’s sub-zero, that people can get wet and stuff can become icy.

"That’s a particular risk then of body temperatures dropping and it’s a risk to life.”

Link, a former head chef, has been given a room at a local Methodist Church during the cold weather.

“They give me a room with my dog, cups of tea, brekkie, dinner, everything when I got there,” he said.

“Gave me a book to read, charge my phone, the whole shebang.”

Link’s friend Geordie is still sleeping at the Bearpit.

“I met him at 8 o’clock, it took until 12 o’clock for his hands to stop shaking,” Link added.

Meanwhile in neighbouring Somerset, the county has about 50 venues offering warm spaces to rough sleepers.

One charity has received funding from the council to continue its 'Warm Welcome' initiative.

"We know winter is coming, the cost of living crisis is increasingly apparent, people are really struggling.

"Winter fuel payments have been reduced as well, so we know that within our communities there are many people out there that just need a little bit of support, a place to go," said Jenny Hannis from Spark Somerset.

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