Homeless charities warn of death on the streets of Bath
Homelessness charities say deaths on the streets of Bath are a "very real" prospect this winter as temperatures plummet.
Organisations are working together to extend the helping hand offered to the rising numbers of people forced to sleep rough in the city.
Staff at Julian House have increased the opening hours of its night shelter in Manvers Street to 24 hours a day to provide respite from the cold - with the city centre likely to experience -8C conditions tonight.
They are also working closely with the Genesis Trust, which has a day centre in Corn Street, with staff at both groups putting in longer hours, and volunteers doing extra shifts.
Julian House, which this week launches its Christmas appeal with the Chronicle to raise £100,000 – a third of what the charity needs to keep its services going for the next year – described the cold conditions as "hazardous."
Fundraising manager Cecil Weir said: "With even daytime temperatures hovering close to or below freezing, the threat of someone dying on the streets is perceived as very real.
"Most of us find it tough enough de-icing our cars in the morning, so imagine what it would be like to wake up in a car park with just a sleeping bag and a blanket.
"The fact that the daytime temperature is staying so cold is what makes things particularly dangerous right now. If you are on the streets with nowhere to go you just don't get the opportunity to warm up.
"Most of our clients are not in the best of health anyway, which makes for a very hazardous situation."
He added: "If the weather carries on much after this weekend it will put us under severe pressure."
The charity has been converting office space into makeshift accommodation to meet demand this week.
"We're desperate to get as many people in as possible," said Mr Weir.
Gloria Ware, manager of Genesis's Lifeline Centre, said it was considering opening at weekends, which it had never done before.
She said the centre was busier than ever, seeing more than 40 people in the two hours it is open every day.
She said: "We are working with Julian House so they can close when we are open and we can close when they are open. We are getting very packed with those who are homeless and those who are struggling to keep warm on low benefits."
She added: "A lot of people who are sleeping on the streets are trying to get into Julian House, out of the freezing weather. Many are even going to Bristol to get a space in a shelter."
Mrs Ware said it was a real worry to her: "I go to sleep at night and I worry who is out there. A lot of people do die in this sort of weather."
Mr Weir said both organisations would maintain support throughout the day.
He said: "Both organisations are committed to supporting one of the most marginalised groups in society.
"Despite the bad weather my staff colleagues are keen to carry on the important detailed interviews with clients, which is where we try and address the real issues behind their desperate situation.
"However, we can't do this with a full day centre."
During the afternoons when Julian House staff are conducting one to one sessions with clients in Manvers Street, the Genesis Lifeline facility in Corn Street operates as a day centre, also offering drinks and snacks.
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by dave, Larkhall
Thursday, December 09 2010, 7:47AM
“Well said J. Don't you feel better for that?
I knew the J stood for Jesus.”
by Moe, Bath
Wednesday, December 08 2010, 11:56PM
“Redemption!”
by J, Bath
Wednesday, December 08 2010, 11:26AM
“Dave - after your ever so charming comment I am sorry for what I said, it was harsh and I should of kept that sort of opinion to myself. I make it sound like I'm a scrouge but infact I'm completely the opposite and donate to many things. After experiencing this cold weather myself on just a walk to the shops, next time I go into town I will make sure I try help someone :)”
by Dave, Larkhall
Saturday, December 04 2010, 7:32AM
“There but for the grace of God.........
Would it not be ironic if J's name was Julian?”
by Paul, Bath
Saturday, December 04 2010, 5:09AM
“I have personally used the service of Julian House, and can report that during a period of homelessness, I never had cause to spend a single night on the streets thanks to the professionalism of the staff, and the generiosity of those people who support the night shelter. It should go without saying how incredibly important it is to have access to a warm place to sleep, food, a shower and laundry facilities. During my stay at Julian House, I abstained from all drink and drugs, because I had the insight to realise that if I did not do so, my chances of getting out of my situation were a whole lot more limited. Others, however, were not so fortunate, and find themselves trapped in the cycle of addiction. While it may be true that the intial decision to start using or drinking was a choice - the consequences, and the difficulties of stopping are not choices. It's all too easy to condemn addicts when we know nothing about their circumstances. A great many addicts are victims of childhood trauma or abuse, suffer mental health problems, or have not had the opportunities in life many of us take for granted. It cannot be fair to judge them unworthy of our care and support.
I wholeheartedly support Julian House - it's an amazing project that offers very real support to those in dire need. I would urge people who say that supporting addicts is a waste of money to consider that charities like Julian House provide people with opportunities to move on in life. The alternative is to leave people to commit crimes to fund their habits, to stay confined in the misery of their homelessness and addiction, and to die needlessly through lack of compassion.
I'm proud to say that I've moved on, and now work in a profession where I'm able to offer support and encouragement to addicts, helping in a small way to move on and to fulfil their potential. This would not have happened without Julian House, and the people that generously support it.”
by Dave, Larkhall
Friday, December 03 2010, 11:55PM
“VV please! You used two words alien to such as J. Considered and think.”
by Viscount Vixley, Bath
Friday, December 03 2010, 11:18PM
“Dear "J", have you ever considered why a life befuddled with drugs or alcohol is preferable to living in your own cold, sober flesh?
There are a myriad of reasons people end up on the streets from abuse, bereavement and trauma to sheer bad luck.
What makes you think that having to live the life of a social and emotional outcast is in anyway a lifestyle choice?
They don't deserve your condescension and snobbery. You know nothing of what they have faced.”
by Dave, Larkhall
Friday, December 03 2010, 9:44PM
“Have a pleasant Christmas J. Stay warm, and i really hope the new year doesn't bring you redundancy, a physical disability, a mental breakdown, bankruptcy, or some other major non self inflicted disaster.
If it should, let us all know, because we would be only too pleased to help with a bag of chips or directions to the nearest vacant doorway or park bench.”
by J, Bath
Friday, December 03 2010, 6:51PM
“Social skills? Sorry do you know me do you? If these people tried to sort their lives out instead of thinking of drink, drugs and crime they maybe could be in a house/flat...
I donate to things I feel that deserve money; being cancer research, African charity organisations, and numerous others. Sorry, I'd say I'm more of a snob than pondlife.”
by Dick, Bath
Friday, December 03 2010, 6:24PM
“@J - With social skill like yours how the hell do you have a job? You are what I consider to be pondlife J. You don't deserve to live on this planet.
You are an oxygen thief! I hope it all goes wrong for you you smug selfish little ...”