More than 500 people used Glasgow’s service to give shelter to people at risk of rough sleeping last winter.

Glasgow City Mission, which operated the Overnight Welcome Centre, is preparing to start the service again this winter.

Instead of the old night shelter, with mattresses on the floor, the OWC works with the council and other agencies and finds people accommodation in hotels.

READ NEXT: Damp and mould complaints to Glasgow City Council revealed

Last year between December 1 and March 31, it dealt with 534 “unique guests who found themselves in a moment of crisis and requiring support”.

When people come for help they are supported to get a bed for the night then workers look at how they can get a more settled solution.

Most people are then placed into B&Bs in the city.

The charity said Glasgow must deal with the number of people stuck in temporary accommodation if it is to solve the housing crisis.

READ NEXT:Soup kitchen 'forced' to move from under the bridge

While the Mission and other charities and agencies will be looking to take people off the streets it is recognised that further down the line greater action is needed.

The City Mission said: “Glasgow has continued to make progress in ending rough sleeping but we now face the next crisis - too many people stuck in temporary accommodation.

“A large percentage of our guests moved into emergency B&Bs and our HSO are focusing on supporting those guests into more permanent solutions.

“As a partnership, we must focus on reducing the number of guests in hostel-type accommodation and provide support to those guests.

“We must keep people off the streets but be looking for the most suitable solutions for them.”

Many people who come for help have complex needs, with mental health issues and addiction often requiring attention.

The City Mission overnight team administered naloxone on three occasions throughout the winter months.

A report into last winter’s operation stated: “When dealing with an overdose, the team also called for an ambulance.

“We required six ambulances during the four months of the season and each of these guests were supported to receive the correct medical attention required.”

British and Scottish guests made up 73% of the total, while the remaining 27% of guests were internationals.

A number were going through the asylum process and classed as ‘no recourse to public funds’ and required access to the six emergency beds funded by the Overnight Welcome Centre.