LOCAL people have been urged to report the locations of rough sleepers after a rise in numbers across the district.

In the past two years, Ryedale District Council (RDC) has been made aware of 100 people who were at risk of rough sleeping in the district - sleeping in cars, tents, in the woods, or in doorways.

Due to the financial impact COVID-19 has had on many people across the country, RDC is now urging anyone who spots a person sleeping rough to get in touch by reporting their location.

That way, the team of dedicated officers brought in to tackle homelessness can give the person the help they need.

The charity Crisis has said that prolonged periods of rough sleeping have a significant impact on someone's mental and physical health.

A spokesperson said: "The longer someone experiences rough sleeping for, the more likely it is they will develop additional mental and physical health needs, substance misuse issues and have contact with the criminal justice system (collectively known as complex needs).

"The more complex needs someone has, the more help they will need to move on from homelessness and rebuild their lives.

They added: "Rough sleeping is a dangerous and isolating experience.

"People sleeping rough are more likely to be victims of crime and almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence in the past year compared to the general public.

"Women are particularly vulnerable, nearly one in four have been sexually assaulted whilst rough sleeping.

"Additionally, many people who rough sleep develop issues with drugs and alcohol."

Posters with details of how to report rough sleepers are being put up across the district and Ryedale District Council’s housing team are working with partner agencies including North Yorkshire Police to help those in need.

Margaret Wallace, Head of Customer Services and Communities for Ryedale District Housing said: “Rough sleeping in Ryedale is a hidden issue as the district covers such a large area and it is rare to see people sleeping in doorways.

"Now, with the effects of the pandemic, we’re working with people who have lost their jobs and are resorting to rough sleeping.

Margaret added: "It’s an issue we need to tackle, so that the rough sleeper can get the help they need.

"We’re calling on business owners, shopkeepers, the community and individual citizens to report the location of rough sleepers if they see them in Ryedale so we can give ”

Anyone who sees a rough sleeper in Ryedale can report their location by calling Ryedale District Council on 01653 600666 or by emailing housing@ryedale.gov.uk