A NEW approach is being taken to make sure no rough sleeper dies in the cold this year.

Every year local authorities must come up with a severe weather emergency protocol.

The protocol is created to ensure no-one dies on the streets during severe weather, and rough sleepers are getting the support they need.

Traditionally, venues such as Colchester Night Shelter, Beacon House and St Peter’s Church would open their doors to offer extra emergency support.

However, this year, due to an increase in government funding, the protocol has changed.

Instead of venues opening their doors to anyone, a number of outreach workers will refer individuals to a specific venue, offering them personalised support.

Historically, the protocol was triggered when the forecast was zero degrees or below for three days. However, councils are taking a new approach, where any forecast approaching zero degrees is considered dangerous.

Tina Bourne (Lab), councillor responsible for housing, said the council always takes action before the temperature reaches the legal minimum.

She said: “We want the severe weather emergency protocol to be an ongoing thing. We aren’t just providing people with a bed for the night. We are offering outreach services as we want to get these people sorted out.

“Everyone is worried about the cold but we are worried about other times of the year as well.”

Instead of rough sleepers being able to turn up at a venue for an overnight stay, the council will send outreach workers into the town to speak to rough sleepers and find out what their needs are.

The council has been given a number of rough sleeping grants this year, which have helped pay for extra outreach workers.

Mrs Bourne added: “This is a lot more co-ordinated. We are still using some extra beds at the night shelter but the difference this year is we want to move people on to other accommodation and provide other council services.”

Colchester Rough Sleepers Group’s homeless bus should also be open in a few weeks to offer support.

Vic Flores, from the rough sleepers group, said: “The sleeping accommodation is in, but we are waiting for the power to be installed as we are using solar panels. That is the next stage, but we hope to have it running in January.”