EFFORTS to prevent people being forced to sleep rough are being redoubled by local authorities this month.

People in Richmondshire are being asked to let the district council know of any rough sleepers in the area – classed as people sleeping or bedding down in the open air.

The district council - along with neighbouring authorities - will complete the estimate between midnight and 7am on the night of Wednesday, November 21.

Housing officers will try to locate anyone reported as sleeping rough to offer advice and use the No Second Night Out initiative which aims to see no person sleeps rough for a second night by offering temporary accommodation.

In York, more rough sleepers can get access to extra emergency beds on offer until February 28.

Earlier this year, senior councillors agreed that York should go above and beyond the national severe weather scheme, bringing the total emergency provision up to 29 beds. They are available in the winter months regardless of whether it’s freezing or not.

Besides these extra beds, the £193,000 extra funding secured for 2018/19 is also funding extra outreach workers to help rough sleepers address complex issues, especially around mental health.

Anyone found sleeping rough is encouraged to go to The Salvation Army’s new early intervention and prevention hub at 63 Lawrence Street, York, between 10am and noon.

There, they will be allocated one of the city’s 29 emergency beds in keeping with the city’s No Second Night Out scheme.

People coming off the streets are placed in the city’s 101-bed supported lodgings. There, they are offered support and education to help address any of the issues that may have contributed to them becoming homeless. This includes referral to services for mental health or substance misuse and to train them for work and how to manage a tenancy.

Cllr Jenny Brooks said: “Working with our partners, we’ve created these new beds and, with support from trained volunteers, are making them and existing emergency beds available whatever the weather this winter.

Anyone seeing someone sleeping rough can call Streetlink on 0300 5000 914 to pinpoint their location. In Richmondshire contact Heidi Richardson by Friday, November 23 on 01748-901143.