Charity seeks site for emergency sleeping pods

The sleeping pods have been used in cities like Sheffield

A charity for homeless people in Guernsey is urgently seeking a temporary site for emergency sleeping pods.

Caritas said it wanted to provide immediate shelter for those with nowhere safe to sleep while it tried to secure land for larger housing.

The sleeping pods, designed by UK charity Amazing Grace Spaces, have been used in cities such as Sheffield to provide secure, warm shelter for people with no other housing options.

Each pod includes solar panels, lighting, a phone charging point and a chemical toilet.

In 2023, as part of its Indicators of Poverty report, the States of Guernsey estimated more than 1,000 men, women and children were insecurely housed - an increase of about 50% since 2016.

Caritas chairman Graham Merfield said: "Since launching our modular community project last September, we've been contacted throughout the winter by individuals with nowhere safe to sleep.

"This practical initiative aims to provide short-term emergency accommodation for those with no alternative."