Homelessness charity Simon Community Scotland and Streetwork launched a hypothermia awareness campaign yesterday with the help of housing minister Kevin Stewart MSP.

Mr Stewart joined charity chief executive Lorraine McGrath and volunteers at Waverley Station in Edinburgh to help launch the campaign - handing out booklets detailing the signs of hypothermia to passing commuters.

As temperatures plummet the charity is asking members of the public to call their free phone numbers if they see a homeless person who - is shivering, has cold or pale skin, is slurring their speech, is breathing fast, or appears tired or confused.

https://twitter.com/SimonCommScot/status/1065246741522538503

Mr Stewart praised the campaign, and said: “We want everyone to have a safe, secure, settled home, which is why we are working to end homelessness and rough sleeping. We know for some people the reasons for rough sleeping are complex and so I am grateful to all the front line workers who day in, day out, go that extra mile to ensure people get support in the right place, at the right time to support people.

“It is vital that we know how to effectively help people on the streets to keep safe – especially as the temperatures start to drop. Hypothermia is extremely serious and this campaign has the potential to save lives by highlighting the symptoms and what can be done to help.”