A ROUGH sleeper helpline is being given out to city centre businesses to encourage to call if they see someone sleeping on the streets.

The Simon Community responds to the helpline and visits the person to offer any help and support they might need.

The helpline is also for the public to report if they think someone needs assistance to get them off the streets.

The Simon Community Street Team is going round businesses in the city centre handing out the Freephone helpline number by hand to ensure they know who to contact.

Research showed staff in businesses often see people they think are in need of help but don’t know who to contact.

Concerns have also grown about the visible increase on homelessness in the city centre streets

Simon Community Scotland works under the councils Homelessness Service to help get people the services they need including access to accommodation to get them off the streets.

Robin Wallace of Simon Community Scotland said the public’s involvement was crucial in identifying people at risk.

He said: “The Street Team routinely checks known rough sleeping sites to see if they are used, but we also rely on reports from members of the public so we can make contact with those affected by, or at risk of, homelessness.

“The city centre business community has indicated to us that people do not always know who to turn to if they find someone who is rough sleeping. It is important, therefore, that we reach out to the city centre community to raise awareness of the support that is available for those affected by homelessness and what people can do to help.”

The team will target Argyle Street, Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street and in Royal Exchange Square where rough sleeping takes place and is most visible to staff and customers.

If a report is made the street team will try and track the person down in the city centre.

The street team part of the Rough Sleepers and Vulnerable People Service, helps people access accommodation and health and benefit services prioritising their needs and if necessary accompanying them to the right authority.

Mr Wallace, added: “We will then do everything we to keep in contact with that person until a solution is found to reduce that individual’s exposure to risk or harm.”

Councillor Mhairi Hunter, City Convener for Health and Social Care Integration at Glasgow City Council, said: “The Rough Sleepers and Vulnerable People service forms a crucial part of the city’s Homelessness Service. The team provides our point of contact with rough sleepers so they know there is support available for them. Engaging with the RSVP is often the first step back towards mainstream housing for many people. If anyone sees someone sleeping rough and wants to help, the best thing they can do is contact the RSVP.”

The 24-hour free helpline number is 0800 027 7466.