Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

...to say something to them? (possibly homeless)

59 replies

depecheNO · 16/01/2015 17:31

I just saw three people and a dog get out of a tent over in the park across from my flat. (I'm in a large apartment block, so probably not the only one who has noticed. I didn't want to post about this on Facebook as I have a few neighbours on there and it might draw more attention to them.)

They've been here at least a week, but it's the first time I've seen any of them and I assumed that the tent was abandoned. The park is fairly secluded, but obviously that's no good if us lot can see over the hedges, and in other words, I can see better spots for them based on my field of view. It's freezing outside and I feel really bad for them, but I wouldn't want to interfere. Seems like they have coats, but what about food and potentially walking ages to a water source? I'm honestly not one of those competitive philanthropists, and the last thing I'd want is for them to feel like that's the case.

If it helps, this is a high security building with a strong community spirit, so we're not really worried about any of the personal safety repercussions highlighted in the "man in car park every day" thread - only "Is it appropriate?"

WWYD?

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 16/01/2015 17:59

Calling 101 has to be the best thing here.

They will immediately know who to contact within the council/local charities etc and how to contact them.

CuttedUpPear · 16/01/2015 17:59

Take some sandwiches over.
You could put together a welfare pack
Add sanitary towels if any of the people are female.
Personal hygiene is the biggest challenge for homeless women.

heygoldfish · 16/01/2015 18:06

Actually, staying alive is a bigger challenge for homeless women. Then, not being raped or sexually assaulted. After that is cold, isolation, addiction (if relevant) and safety with regards to personal possessions.

Sanitary protection is quite a long way down the list.

expatinscotland · 16/01/2015 18:07

Ring 101. Don't engage.

expatinscotland · 16/01/2015 18:09

There have been people on here who have approached in similar situations and sadly, it did not go well. In one instance, the lady had severe mental health problems and felt she was being attacked. So the best thing to do is ring 101.

fishinabarrell · 16/01/2015 18:19

Ring 101 OP. The temperature is dropping over this weekend, it would be easy for them to freeze.

Lucyandpoppy · 16/01/2015 18:22

If you go to this website: and input details about them then they will send out volunteers to help them, and also will probably email you with an update on their situation. I have done this several times before.

www.streetlink.org.uk/

CuttedUpPear · 16/01/2015 18:23

heygoldfish you are right of course. It's appalling.
But I was thinking in terms of what the OP could do practically, now.

expatinscotland · 16/01/2015 18:26

Practically she can get in touch with the relevant authorities and/or charities who are trained to work with rough sleepers and homeless people. Approaching oneself is not advisable.

WorraLiberty · 16/01/2015 18:29

I agree with expat

Bringing them food and supplies is all very well, but it won't stop them freezing to death.

expatinscotland · 16/01/2015 18:31

Also, camping illegally should never be encouraged, it can lead to some very serious health issues, soil/water pollution.

RedButtonhole · 16/01/2015 18:34

I would get in touch with a charity, if you can.

Failing that, would the security guard go with you so you could take some hot water and maybe hot food if you can?

A man died of hypothermia near where I live just before Christmas because he fell asleep in a car park, and it wasn't half as cold then as it is this week. Sad

guitarosauras · 16/01/2015 18:36

I think that you're over thinking it. Either leave them to it or call 101 and hope that they offer more than you can no matter how nice you're trying to be.

Are you going to take food and water on a daily basis? For how many weeks/ months?

fluffymouse · 16/01/2015 18:37

I think contacting shelter would be far better than 101. They do outreach and can advice on a what services are available.

expatinscotland · 16/01/2015 18:37

It could be potentially dangerous to approach, please leave it to people who are trained to help.

CarcerDun · 16/01/2015 18:39

Depecheno if you are in the city I think you are, then streetlink do operate here. I often see them in the mornings out with thermos flasks going out to talk to homeless people. They are very nice people and appear to be only concerned about the welfare of rough sleepers. I would definitely give then a ring.

Original poster
depecheNO · 16/01/2015 19:21

Update: Security Guy knows about them and seems to think the PCSOs are aware, though I'm not sure why he thinks that. This is kind of worse now, because he reckons we should leave them alone as they appear to have taken reasonable precautions for their own safety by staying out of the main park, and also that they're no bother. I feel like I should contact Shelter. I mean, they're people, not wildlife, so I'm not really comfortable with a "see what happens" approach to the freezing cold nights.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 16/01/2015 19:25

Shelter, streetlink, 101, I'd contact someone.

liketohelp · 16/01/2015 20:21

Streetlink is at www.streetlink.org.uk - you can "Report a rough sleeper" on there. I checked on google as well and your local housing people used to have a worker linking with Streetlink, probably still does.

Shelter is at www.shelter.org.uk or phone 0808 800 4444.

Or contact your local Housing Dept and ask to speak to the homelessness team.

FightOrFlight · 16/01/2015 20:35

there is nonetheless a fair possibility they have recently been released from prison Hmm All three of them released on the same day so they decided to shack up in a tent together? I suppose it's possible, though rather unlikely.

Personally I think they are more likely to be migrant workers who sleep during the day and work at night as the OP says they appear to be nocturnal. That would make living in a tent more bearable I suppose as the daytime temperature is generally warmer than night. But again that's all pure speculation on my part.

MinceSpy · 16/01/2015 20:48

Depeche to Tent People: Are you okay?
Tent People: No

Now what?

fluffling · 16/01/2015 20:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WorraLiberty · 16/01/2015 21:13

OP, in the nicest possible way, why are you still hand wringing about this?

The security guard has been no help whatsoever.

He 'seems to think' the PCSOs are aware and hasn't even explained why he thinks it, and he seems to think that simply staying out of the main park and being 'no bother', are reasonable precautions for their own safety Confused

If you're going to contact someone you need to crack on as it's getting late and who knows how long it'll take, to get someone out to check on them.

Loletta · 16/01/2015 21:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WorraLiberty · 16/01/2015 21:34

They're going to have to do that sooner or later anyway Loletta, as they can't stay in the park forever.

At least this way the offer of help is guaranteed, even if they don't accept it.