PEOPLE at risk of having to sleep rough in this winter are being offered a helping hand by Dudley Council.

With the cold nights drawing in, the homeless prevention and response team is reminding residents about the service they provide.

The team look for short-term emergency housing solutions and work with people to resolve their longer term housing needs.

The council also worked with Midland Heart to provide the purpose-built Saltbrook Place in Lye which opened in April, and offering short and longer term accommodation with on-site dog kennel facilities.

Last year, the team dealt with more than 2,400 enquiries and helped 1,339 people and families to avoid becoming homeless by providing advice and assistance.

They helped 100 homeless people and families were helped to find new homes.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member of housing, said: “Although the official number of rough sleepers in Dudley is relatively low, we are aware that ‘sofa surfing’ occurs in the borough.

“Housing is fundamental to individual and community wellbeing. This service plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable people and offers an alternative to sleeping rough.

“I would urge people to make use of this vital resource over the coming months.”

Anyone at risk of sleeping rough, or residents worried about someone at risk, can contact the team via Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.