If you have nowhere to sleep tonight you should:

• Ask your friends or family if you can stay for the night.
• Contact your local homelessness or Social Services department (they will have an emergency out of hours phone number if the office is shut). They should be able to give you details of hostels and local bed and breakfasts.
• Contact Shelter on 0808 800 4444 - 8am-8pm seven days a week.

Sleeping rough

Sleeping rough is dangerous and is not a good idea, particularly if you are on your own. If you have no other alternative remember the following:

• Sleep where there are other people.
• Try to get a sleeping bag or blankets to keep you warm.
• Never sleep directly on the ground – sleep on something like a bench or even a piece of cardboard.
• Eat or drink something hot before you go to sleep as this will help keep you warm.
• Keep your hands, feet and head warm by covering them.
• Don’t drink alcohol before you go to sleep. It causes dehydration and makes your body temperature drop. In extreme cases you could freeze to death.
• Contact Shelter on 0808 800 4444. The line is open seven days a week from 8am-8pm.