There are at least 320,000 people in Britain who are homeless, with 36 new people becoming homeless each day and as temperatures start to plummet there is an urgent need to help rough sleepers that are suffering the freezing cold winter.

Those who are sleeping rough or sofa surfing may find this time of year particularly hard when it is freezing cold, you're starving and there is a no feeling of security or hope for the future.

A recent street count reveals there are 31 people sleeping rough in Reading, which is more than five times the amount recorded in 2010.

These figures have increased by 41 per cent since 2016, highlighting the reality that there will be lots of people sleeping out in the freezing cold.

However, there are services available in Reading that offer extra help in times of need.

I visited CIRDIC, a drop-in centre where homeless people can get free food, a shower and free clothes as well as access to the internet and a place for their post to be sent to.

I didn’t expect it to be so busy when I arrived, there was a cue of people lined up to receive their sandwiches by the smiley volunteers that turn up to the centre at 8am to prepare the food.

Mabel Boyd, centre manager said: “The fact that they are here means there is a lot of pain attached to their lives so we just want to make sure they are well fed and that is enough really.”

CIRDIC provides help to homeless people all year round but during the colder months.

She added: “After you’ve been on the streets your mental health deteriorates, because if you're sleeping outside, you don’t feel safe.

"Here in Reading there is food everyday but what it does to your mind is not good.”

Gary, who lives all by himself in a tent in a nearby forest is just one person out of the thousands that will be sleeping rough during the harsh winter.

Gary said: “It can be more difficult than summer because it is so cold, but you just have to carry on and take each day as it comes.

"I was born in Reading. A lot of things have made me where I have ended up but coming here is good, and means I struggle a little less."

This is the harsh reality and speaking to Gary has made me realise that despite the setbacks, homeless people are trying to get the help they need.

National charity Crisis predicts 15,000 people sleeping rough in England by 2026, either through poverty or addiction.

Launchpad Reading is another drop-in service which is accessible to people without accommodation or just need advise by one of their volunteers.

The service supports up to 100 homeless people each month by providing temporary housing solutions from up to six to 12 months, as well as job support and help with gaining qualifications.