MORE than 100 rough sleepers were provided with emergency accommodation last winter.

The Salvation Army, together with Blackburn with Darwen Council, helped to provide a total of 400 safe nights for homeless people between December 1 land March 31 as part of a national initiative.

The Salvation Army’s Bramwell House, Blackburn, was one of several homeless centres to take part in the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), a scheme designed to support local authorities in providing emergency weather responses to prevent deaths of people sleeping rough during winter.

The launch of the initiative took place just a week after the death of homeless man, Andrew Davie, who was living on the streets in Blackburn.

The 39-year-old was found dead outside Boots, on the Townsmoor Retail Park just before 7am on Saturday, November 26, sparking an outcry from the public that such a tragedy could took place in this day and age.

Colin Mottershead, service centre manager at The Salvation Army’s Bramwell House, said: “It is critical that local organisations work together to support the fight against homelessness. Nobody should have to sleep rough and the cold weather exposes how hard life can be on the streets.”

During the four months, Bramwell House, Heaton Street, opened its doors for emergency accommodation from 9pm until 8.30am.

Mr Mottershead added: “Extreme temperatures can kill and for the vulnerable it can be a matter of life and death making them even more vulnerable. All teams worked hard over the four month period to get people safely indoors, providing a warm and secure place to stay and we have continued to work with and support those individuals to prevent them having to go back out on the streets.”

The local authority also provided assistance to the centre by hiring security staff for the overnight hours.

Steve Richards, housing needs and support manager at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Partnership work is vitally important in situations like this and all teams worked really hard to make people’s situations a little safer and warmer.

“We are all really pleased we could offer a safe, warm and caring environment and as well as help and support in getting off the streets.”

Change Grow Live’s Inspire Service in Blackburn also provided a substance misuse outreach worker and nurses.