Winter night shelter re-opened for rough sleepers

The night shelter opened in November and will stay open until April

Emergency overnight accommodation for rough sleepers in Herefordshire has re-opened for the winter months.

The night shelter, located on Symonds Street, Hereford, re-opened on 3 November and will stay open until 30 April between 20:00 and 08:00 GMT.

The space, operated by Caring for Communities and People (CCP) in partnership with Herefordshire Council, was opened last year and provided overnight accommodation for 71 individuals in need across 157 nights.

Carole Gandy, council cabinet member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: "Every rough sleeper is important to us, every single one, and particularly during the winter months."

She added: "The winter night shelter is a lifeline for those in our community facing the harsh realities of rough sleeping during the colder months.

"It makes a meaningful difference to them by providing a safe, warm, and welcoming space, and access to support and help from specialist teams.

"We remain committed to ensuring everyone in Herefordshire has access to the support they need."

Herefordshire Council has also said extending the shelter's availability was "possible" if weather conditions were poor.