Somerset Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) is ACTIVE in some areas of Somerset.
During this period of severe weather, the Council is seeking to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers to prevent harm or death due to the freezing weather conditions.
The SWEP response is used by many local authorities when there is a forecast of zero degrees or below zero, for three consecutive nights.
Outreach teams are currently contacting rough sleepers in Somerset to encourage them to take up offer of emergency accommodation.
SWEP in Somerset has two aims:
- To ensure that no one dies on the streets due to severe weather
- To ensure that every effort is made to engage individuals with support
Please spread this message through your networks: “Safe and warm accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the cold weather. If the temperatures are below zero in your area, please check if you can access the service by calling 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours. Spaces are limited, so please phone as early as possible!”
If you’re concerned that someone is rough sleeping in Somerset during this cold weather, please visit Street Link to refer them, so they can get access to safe and warm accommodation: thestreetlink.org.uk.
Messages are going on the Council’s website and to relevant stakeholders.
Learn more here: www.somerset.gov.uk/swep.
