74,630 households in temporary accommodation, an increase of 9%, and 124,090 children across Britain are homeless, an increase of more than 10%, in the past year.

John, Lord Shipley, also pointed out in House of Lords a rise in rough sleeping, described by a Tory peer as "a stain on our society" The Minister replied that the latest statistics show that between 1 July and 30 September 2016 local authorities accepted 14,930 households as being statutorily homeless. He said that the number of children living in temporary accommodation "is indeed a challenge"

In Newcastle, Council officials patrol areas like Central Station for homeless/rough sleepers (who may have complex issues including mental health problems) and has a walk-in office in Pilgrim Street.

If you know of anyone who needs immediate help over Chrustmas, try these :

People's Kitchen, Tel. 0191 222 0699 Alison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5SQ

Crisis Skylight, Tel. 0191 222 0622 1-3 City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AF

Closed until Wednesday 27 Dec is Newcastle City Council's Housing Advice Centre

112-114 Pilgrim Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 6SQ
Tel: 0191 277 1711
Email: housingadvicecentre@newcastle.gov.uk