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 severe weather.
The SWEP response is used by many local authorities when there is a forecast of zero degrees or below zero. Severe weather also includes heat waves, high winds and flooding.
Outreach teams are currently contacting rough sleepers in Somerset to encourage them to take up offer of emergency accommodation and will offer additional support for anyone continuing to sleep rough during SWEP .
SWEP in Somerset has two aims:
- To ensure that no one dies on the streets or is caused serious harm due to severe weather
- To ensure that every effort is made to engage individuals with support
Please spread this message:
Suitable accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the severe weather. 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 the severe weather, please visit Street Link to refer them, so they can get access to suitable accommodation: thestreetlink.org.uk.
Messages are going on the Council’s website and to relevant stakeholders.
When SWEP is active, important information can be found on this temporary webpage here: www.somerset.gov.uk/swep.
Learn about rough sleeping here: Help for people who are rough sleeping.
