Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

As the temperature drops and more rough sleepers need sanctuary from the freezing conditions, homelessness charity Helping Caring Team (HCT) has called on the council to make it easier for people to ask for help.

HCT founder Hayley Thomas has helped dozens of people this year alone find temporary relief from the streets, and explained to Caerphilly Observer how the situation is getting worse.

Ms Thomas said: “We find ourselves more and more often having to put rough sleepers up in hotels at great expense to the charity.

“Earlier this year, we had a man who would come to the charity’s base in Blackwood often, and was still on the streets by November when a cold snap hit.

“On four occasions we put him up at hotels across Caerphilly, costing us around £1,000. I understand the council is under pressure, but it is tough.”

When asked if the council has any provisions in place for rough sleepers when the weather drops below a certain temperature, Cllr Shayne Cook, who is the cabinet member for housing, said the local authority has “commissioned a bed and breakfast for cold weather provision this year, when temperatures drop zero degrees and below for three nights”.

Cllr Cook continued: “The Housing Solutions team and [outreach support scheme] Cornerstone are reviewing rough sleepers in the borough as part of our cold weather support. We have made offers of temporary accommodation to those rough sleepers we are aware of. Some have accepted and some declined.”

Blackwood councillor Nigel Dix, leader of the Independent group, said the council needs to do more to get rough sleepers off of the streets during the cold winter months – and said the support available isn’t enough.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Cllr Dix said: “The council needs to know exactly where rough sleepers like to stay and find a way to get hold of them.

“I’ve been badgering the council about one lad who thankfully has found somewhere to stay, but there are so many more in Blackwood alone.

“I can’t imagine what it would be like to be out there on the streets this time of year. The council has to be doing everything it can to help these people.”

HCT has had support through the community, explained Ms Thomas, whose late father was former Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston.

She continued: “When my dad passed, I asked people to donate money towards the charity and that’s helped us provide food parcels for example, but there are a still a lot of people who are really struggling.”

Cllr Cook added: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a real impact on families. The council’s Housing Solutions Team have helped over 300 families who were facing potential homelessness due to rising costs.

“Our Housing Support Team managed to generate additional income for residents of approximately £5.8 million during 2022-23.

“In addition, our cost of living fund has allowed us to also provide rough sleepers and sofa surfers with a warm pack which consists of gloves, socks, a blanket, a hot water bottle, a thermal mug and hand warmers – plus thermals and a body warmer.”

After a recent grant from the council’s Caerphilly Cares team, Ms Thomas said HCT’s drop-in centre on Bridge Street, Blackwood, will be open four days a week. However, she urged people to contact Cornerstone first if they are or see a rough sleeper.

More information about HCT can be found on their Facebook page.

Earlier this year Caerphilly County Borough Council was criticised by Audit Wales for its approach to homelessness.