Updates and changes to this page

October 2026: This page has been rewritten, but there have not been any significant changes to the information provided.

Cold weather

People sleeping rough are more vulnerable to the effects of cold exposure because:

  • They are more likely to have one or more chronic health conditions which may be worsened by cold exposure and increase susceptibility to infection
  • They are less likely to be registered with a GP and access mainstream health provision
  • They are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, which increases the risk of developing respiratory infections
  • They are more likely to experience malnutrition and reduced access to food which limits people’s ability to tolerate cold exposure

Recognising cold-related illnesses

Cold weather can increase health risks such as hypothermia and frostbite, especially for people with cognitive impairments who may not recognise when they are cold.

Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops extremely low. Symptoms can include severe shivering, confusion, tiredness, and a fast heart rate.

What to do:

  • Call for an ambulance immediately
  • Move the person indoors or somewhere sheltered as quickly as possible
  • Remove any wet clothing, wrap them in a blanket, sleeping bag or dry towel, making sure their head is covered
  • Give them a warm non-alcoholic drink and some sugary food like chocolate if they're fully awake
  • Keep them awake by talking to them until help arrives
  • Make sure you or someone else stays with them

Frostbite happens when your skin freezes after being in very cold temperatures. The skin needs to be warmed as soon as possible.

The parts of the body most often affected are the fingers, toes, nose and ears.

What to do:

  • Move the person indoors or somewhere sheltered as quickly as possible
  • Remove clothing and jewellery, such as gloves, rings and boots from the affected area
  • Wrap the person in something warm like a blanket, sleeping bag or dry towel
  • Place the affected body part in warm (not hot) water, dry it and put on a light dressing, such as a gauze bandage, if you have one
  • Raise the body part to reduce swelling
  • Provide a warm drink or water

Tips for staying warm

  • Wear several layers of clothing instead of one thick layer
  • Change out of wet clothing as soon as you can
  • Use blankets or sleeping bags to add insulation
  • Wear a hat, gloves and warm footwear
  • Find warm places during the day e.g., libraries, day centres, faith organisations
  • Eat and drink regularly, but avoid alcohol as it can increase risk of hypothermia

Recommendations for homelessness services

  • Have supplies ready: Keep hot drinks, hats, and gloves to offer.
  • Promote flu vaccinations to help reduce risks from respiratory infections. Rough sleepers and those using homeless hostels or night shelters aged 16 years and over can receive a free flu vaccine on the NHS through pharmacies and GPs.
  • Extend opening times of night shelters and day centres to provide extra daytime protection during cold weather.
  • Map out warm spaces: Map out available warm spaces, such as day centres, soup kitchens, libraries, and faith organisations.
  • Sign up to the Cold-Health Alert (CHA) system established in partnership with the Met Office, and local services should consider how they would trigger local Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) in relation to the new CHA system.

Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)

When there is a ‘risk to life’ due to extreme weather, SWEP should be activated. Read more here.