People facing homelessness will have access to free accommodation this winter, North Ayrshire Council has announced.

The council is urging people experiencing homelessness to reach out to them so that they can be given temporary accommodation.

While the initiative is in place all year round, the council is encouraging people in need to get in touch this winter due to the extreme cold weather.

Councillor Scott Davidson, cabinet member for place, said: “We have experienced some very cold weather recently, with temperatures getting as low as minus 7 degrees Celsius.

“We want to make it clear that nobody in North Ayrshire needs to sleep rough this festive period, or any at other time of the year. There are services available all year round to assist people ensuring that they have access to the appropriate supports.

“The people of North Ayrshire are kind and generous, and this has been demonstrated by people contacting the council to raise concerns regarding individuals who are begging and/or rough sleeping.”

Help can also be provided for those who are not homeless but are struggling with poverty.

As well as providing temporary accommodation, the council also offers financial aid as well as access to essentials like food and clothing.

Councillor Davidson added: “Our staff have been able to ascertain, on occasion, that a person is not homeless but does need support with their financial situation.

“In these instances, assistance is provided to reduce the need for the individual to turn to begging. Not all homeless people beg and not all those who beg are homeless.

“In addition to temporary accommodation, we can assist people to access essentials such as food and clothing.”

If you are homeless or are concerned that someone could be homeless, call the North Ayrshire Council 24-hour homeless helpline on 0800 0196 500 to speak to an officer.