I love snow, I really love it! It’s been a very busy few days in parliament but in between meetings I’ve popped out for a moment to see our world transformed by nature.
But I know there are many dangers that come with extreme wether like this. It’s a time when we need to act as a community more than ever and look out for people who could be made extra vulnerable by the conditions.
Our brilliant council has pulled out all the stops to care for rough sleepers. No-one should be on our streets in this weather so if you spot anyone that worries you please, please call 0300 500 0914 straight away.
Sever weather shelters are open to keep the homeless warm and safe. They have lockers for personal items, dogs are welcome, and no money is needed whatsoever. There’s no requirement for a local connection to our city. Trained staff are on hand and there is no ceiling on numbers.
If you feel comfortable talking to someone you spot on the streets you might suggest they go direct to First Base Centre, St Stephens Hall, Montpellier Place, BN1 3BF, where they will be cared for.
This is the kind of service our country should be providing year-round. I know that. But right now we as a city are coming together to make sure the most vulnerable have the care they need and I’m proud of our community is doing that.
A lot of other people with mobility problems will have many additional challenges right now, so let’s really look out for one another over this exceptional and extreme period and call the authorities if anything worries us.
And for those of us who are lucky enough to be able to enjoy rare moments of weather like this…I’ll see you in the Park for a snowball fight on Saturday if there’s more snow by then! Please, stay warm, Peter