New homeless hotline launched by government

Date: 15/12/2011

The government has invested in a new 0870 number in a bid to launch its latest initiative designed to help those sleeping rough this Christmas.

Pitched as the "homeless hotline" by housing minister Grant Shapps, the 24-hour service has been named No Second Night Out.

Mr Shapps claimed the introduction of the single national phone number is his "New Year's resolution" for 2012.

He urged anyone who spots someone sleeping rough on the streets of Britain to phone the hotline and give "the gift of shelter" to those who need it.

Outreach workers will be available at the other end of the phone and will aim to help individuals who are homeless.

According to the London Evening Standard, 3,975 people are estimated to have gone without shelter in the capital in 2010-11.

The benefits of an 0870 number include it having a national presence, while the digits are proven to be memorable.