Over 80 homeless people helped across BCP area this winter
33 of those have remained in longer term accommodation
More than 80 rough sleepers have been supported in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this winter - while Severe Weather Protocols were put in place.
Emergency support has been offered in freezing temperatures by BCP Council and homelessness charity St Mungos.
The SWEP status has been put in force four times throughout the winter.
Of the over 80 people given help, 33 of them have remained in longer term accommodation.
That includes supported housing, temporary accommodation such as B&B’s, with some successfully returning to their homes.
The protocol is activated when there's a 'real risk of loss of life due to weather conditions', being put into force when night-time temperatures are predicted to be zero degrees Celsius or below for three consecutive nights.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services said:
“SWEP activations in January helped to bring people who would otherwise have been rough sleeping into safe accommodation during the extreme winter weather.
“I would like to express my huge gratitude to St Mungo’s and our other partners for the high level of care, expertise, and hard work provided during this time. They have protected many members of our community who currently find themselves without a home. The thing that has stuck out most for me is the individual cases and the people we have managed to move into more permanent accommodation.
"One story that resonated was of a resident who has been known to us since 2018. They had previously struggled to engage with our services. However, during this last SWEP period, they accepted our help, engaged positively, and have now moved into a permanent placement. This is just one example of the fantastic work from our team by being patient and persistent in helping those without a home.
“In addition, we are progressing some new Rough Sleeping Initiative-funded services to focus on helping people move on from temporary accommodation and also preventing cases of rough sleeping, including those returning to the streets.”
Sara Turner, Senior Services Manager, St Mungo’s said:
"The success of this SWEP is attributed to several factors but not least the dedication and commitment shown by all involved, working round the clock, to provide this life saving provision to those experiencing rough sleeping.
“St Mungo's worked in partnership with the council and other key agencies to deliver a coordinated, safe and effective response to the severe weather warning. The sole aim was to keep people safe, building rapport, starting to gain trust and where possible, providing creative solutions to future housing and support. It is one of the hardest things I have had the privilege to lead on, yet at the same time, one of the most humbling and rewarding."