Emergency accommodation offered to rough sleepers in Somerset
The Severe Weather Emergency Provision is active
Somerset Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) to ensure rough sleepers in the area can access emergency accommodation during the Christmas and New Year period.
Due to cold weather conditions, the council aims to provide temporary housing to prevent harm or loss of life.
SWEP is triggered when local authorities forecast temperatures of 0 degrees or below, but it can also be activated during other severe weather conditions such as heat waves, high winds, and flooding.
Contacting rough sleepers
Outreach teams are currently working in Somerset to inform rough sleepers about the availability of emergency accommodation and encourage them to use the provision. Additional support is being offered to those who choose to remain outside during SWEP.
The council spokesperson said: “Please help to spread the message that suitable accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the severe weather over this Christmas and New Year season.
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 as early as possible.”
If you are concerned about someone rough sleeping in Somerset, you can refer them to Street Link via their website.
More information on SWEP and rough sleeping
Messages will also be shared on the council’s website and circulated to key stakeholders. Important information regarding SWEP can be found here.
To learn more about rough sleeping and available help, visit the council’s Help for people who are rough sleeping page.