Severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP)

During extreme weather conditions such as over the winter months, during heat waves or flooding, emergency beds are made available for rough sleepers under the severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP). This is activated when extreme weather means there is a risk to life for those without adequate shelter.

But our work doesn’t stop when the weather stabilises. Our housing needs team works proactively, intervening early to help people who are at risk. We also provide a rapid response and a specialist outreach service, as well as individual caseworkers to offer ongoing support.

Year-round homelessness support

‘Homelessness’ is often associated with rough sleeping, but homelessness extends far beyond this.  For example, where people have a place to live but they can’t access it, or where they have been placed in temporary accommodation.

If you see someone sleeping rough, or you are homeless and in an emergency situation, you can call our housing needs team on 01235 422 452 or go to Streetlink’s website thestreetlink.org.uk

For more details on support available see our housing web pages.

More about SWEP

The council will activate SWEP on every night the Met Office forecasts freezing overnight temperatures. It will also use its discretion to open emergency beds in other severe weather conditions. These can include snow on the ground, sub-zero ‘feels like’ temperatures or a warmer night in the middle of a prolonged freezing spell.