Discover real stories of people experiencing homelessness in winter. Learn what people have to do to survive and find ways that you can help.
Winter is a tough time for anyone to face homelessness, but it’s particularly dangerous for people sleeping on the streets. Freezing temperatures, wet weather and dark nights can have a severe impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. And with the festive season just around the corner, the sense of loneliness and isolation can become overwhelming for many people.
After losing his job Con was forced into homelessness, sleeping rough on the streets of London and constantly moving between neighbourhoods. “That first Christmas in 2015, can you imagine what my life was like? Sleeping rough on the streets in December, freezing cold, and then going to the day centre where I was a guest and having a warm shower and something to eat.”
Being exposed to the cold puts people at greater risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia, as well as frostbite and hypothermia. Without treatment, these conditions can quickly become serious and even life threatening.
Along with the punishing cold, dark winter nights can make sleeping rough even more dangerous.
Foysol is an abuse survivor, who had no choice but to sleep on the streets after he was forced out of his home. “Sleeping rough is one of the worst situations anyone can be in. You get attacked; you get robbed. It’s crazy. It's one of the worst things I've ever done.
“After about six months of this, constantly getting in trouble, getting into fights, getting my stuff stolen, it got to a point where I was like ‘No, I can't do this. I really can't do this. I can't be on the streets. I’ve got to find a different way to find a home.’”
Our research shows that people facing homelessness are 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence compared to the general public. This can have a devastating impact on someone’s mental health, making it even harder to see a way out and escape life on the streets.
If you’re facing homelessness this winter, we’re here to help. Our 9 Skylight centres are spread across the UK and deliver services in person, so that we can provide tailored, one to one support. From finding a home to building your confidence and psychological support, we’ll work with you to help you find a way out of homelessness.
Learn more about how we could help and find your nearest Skylight centre by visiting the get help page.
