Homeless people are being encouraged to take up offers of shelter as snow falls and temperatures drop.

Medway Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) today (January 8) as temperatures are expected to fall below freezing tonight.

The protocol provides emergency accommodation for rough sleepers and will be in place as long as temperatures stay below 0.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for Kent due to the cold weather causing ice and snow.

This emergency provision is in addition to the support and housing options the council offers to people sleeping rough in Medway all year round.

People sleeping rough are encouraged to call Kingsley House in Gillingham, on 01634 333600 or Freephone 0808 1641444 before 4.45pm to access support.

Those who are unable to call during the day can still access emergency provision through the out-of-hours homelessness service.

The out-of-hours service can be contacted, when SWEP is in place, on 01634 304400.

If you are aware of someone sleeping rough in Medway you can report them to the council who will be able to offer support, here.

The authority’s housing team and partner agencies in the Homelessness Forum are helping to spread the message to as many people sleeping rough as possible to get them off of the streets and into the warm.