A LEADING homelessness charity has helped house more than a dozen rough sleepers during the heatwave.

Harp, a Southend homelessness charity, worked closely with Southend Council and other charities to get people off the streets and away from the heat into temporary accommodation.

Active efforts saw 17 invididuals housed and off the streets during the heatwave, with around a dozen more currently being approached and offered emergency accommodation.

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Gary Turner, director of Service Operations at Harp, said: “This is a fantastic example of joined up, collaborative work to protect vulnerable people in our city.

“Whilst it is of course essential to get people in doors to protect health in the short-term, in the medium to longer-term this is also a fantastic opportunity to engage with people experiencing homelessness, and we plan to put the building blocks in place for ongoing support, which will lead to more permanent housing solutions for many.”

Temperatures reached mid to high thirties in Essex on Monday but are set to increase again today.

Ian Gilbert, councillor responsible for economic recovery, regeneration and housing, said he is impressed with the quick response and collaborative approach to help get people off the streets in these extreme conditions.

He said: “Extreme weather always creates concerns for the safety and wellbeing of some of our more vulnerable members of society.

“We have a duty to help and I’m very impressed with the quick and collaborative approach taken with the council and local charities, which has helped make sure 17 rough sleepers so far, are safe during this extreme heat.”

Harp is also urgently appealing for factor 50 sun cream and bottled water to distribute to their vulnerable clients.

Anyone also to help are encouraged to donate the items to Harp’s Bradbury Day Centre, 103-107 York Road, Southend, SS1 2DL.