CHRISTMAS can be one of the most difficult times of the year for homeless people. As families and friends come together to enjoy food and gifts, many homeless people can be reminded of what they no longer have.

There are many reasons why people become homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. It could because of relationship breakdown, bereavement, abusive relationships, physical or mental illness, debt, addiction or just the end of a tenancy. Every homeless person is an individual with their own unique background, but having a safe and secure place to call home is a basic human need.

Bradford Council wants people to know that they provide a range of services that can help homeless people and there are things that people can do to help others.

£3.3 million shelter for the homeless is declared open in Bradford

Octavia Court, Clergy House and Jermyn Court provide self-contained flats for people who are homeless. They offer individuals and families temporary accommodation while they get help to find longer-term and more suitable housing.

The No Second Night Out project and Day Shelter for rough sleepers provide emergency bed-spaces, daytime shelter, outreach work and advice as well as co-ordinating the delivery of the Cold Weather provision for rough sleepers.

The Homelessness Outreach Partnership is a team of professionals who work directly with people sleeping rough to help them into accommodation and services. They can be contacted on 07852041419.

The Council also funds the Housing First project, which supports people with repeat histories of homelessness, who experience multiple disadvantages, into independent and stable accommodation. This service has had real success in helping some of those with very complex needs live safely in their own homes.

During normal office hours, the council’s Housing Options Service can assist with housing advice, homelessness assessments and registrations for people who want social housing. The service can also help with housing-related support assessments and private rented housing options.

Also at this time of year when temperatures drop people are increasingly concerned about the welfare of those living on the streets and want to know what they can do to help.

Here are five practical ways that people can help homeless people in the Bradford district:

1. Let the local services know – There are people who can give them the support they need:

· If someone homeless or is at risk of losing their home it is important that they seek advice to help prevent homelessness, please encourage them to contact 01274 435999

· If you see someone sleeping rough please telephone No Second Night Out on 01274 309165. Please provide as much detail as you can about when and where you saw them as well as a description of the person.

2. Don’t give money directly to rough sleepers – most charities advise against giving money directly to rough sleepers as they say it more often than not goes to feed addiction, instead offer food, hot drinks.

3. Give time – Many people sleeping rough can be incredibly lonely often feel ignored and isolated, so engaging and having a conversation can offer a huge amount of support.

4. Remember pets – For some homeless people having a pet provides them with company, love and support, so helping their pet helps them, so could offer pet food, treats or accessories.

5. Donate to a homelessness charity or volunteer your time – You could help at out a winter night shelter, or volunteer in a foodbank or at an emergency drop-in centre or donate money or items to help those who are homeless. The Street Support Network website is a central place online to find out about homelessness, see what support is available, and see what you can do to help. Visit https://streetsupport.net/ to see how you can help.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “At Christmas when we get together with family and friends we are also reminded that there are those who are less fortunate than ourselves and we often don’t know how we can help.

“Services helping those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or sleeping out on the streets are available throughout the year and this list has easy ways that we can all help to end homelessness.”