A council is reminding vulnerable residents that they can offer safety and specialist this Christmas and New Year.

Carlisle City Council has issued a reminder that the Homeless Prevention and Accommodation Service is urging anyone at risk of homelessness to come forward as early as possible to access support.

The City Council's Portfolio holder for Economy, Enterprise and Housing, Cllr Paul Nedved said: "We are continuing to do everything we can to support the needs of people facing homelessness in Carlisle.

"Our Homelessness support team has a range of emergency accommodation options including hostels, safe houses and self-contained dispersed provision which are all still operational.

"The team is continuing to deliver responsive services 24 hour a day and are doing all they can to support vulnerable residents; including those experiencing domestic abuse and rough sleeping."

In the last year, the Homeless Prevention and Accommodation Service helped 420 people at risk of becoming homeless to find new accommodation, or supported them to stay in their own home.

Another 288 people, already homeless when they approached the council, were found temporary accommodation until permanent homes could be found.

There were also 132 domestic abuse cases which the council supported; and 72 individuals accommodated who were at direct risk of rough sleeping.

You can contact the service by calling 01228 817200 during normal hours. Out of hours contact numbers are 01228 817386 for single women and families, and 01228 817373 for single men.

Alternatively, you can email dutytorefer@carlisle.gov.uk/.

You can also visit the Housing Assistance Referral Portal at https://hpa2.org/referral/FormPage.aspx for support.