Shrewsbury charity warning lives will be lost unless more support announced for homeless in winter
A yellow cold health alert is in place for the West Midlands
Last updated 19th Nov 2025
A homeless charity in Shrewsbury is calling for support for rough sleepers in cold weather, to last for the whole winter, or risk losing lives.
The Shrewsbury Ark wants to see changes to the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol.
What is SWEP?
- The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol comes in when forecasts approach zero degrees.
- Rough sleepers are then provided with shelter, food, a bed and washing facilities.
- The idea is to prevent health problems.
Local areas do not have to implement the protocol, equally they can also provide the support at times other than freezing.
It comes as the region is placed in a yellow cold weather alert until Saturday morning.
'The homeless do not have the choice'
Anton Goodwin is director at the Shrewsbury Ark.
He says he would like to see a greater push from government to have the protocol expanded to the entire winter months.
"If it is raining and five degrees it is awful, you are not getting dry. I have been camping in the winter and will never do it again, but the homeless do not have the choice.
'Saved their life'
The Shrewsbury Ark had the funds to open their shelter for the entire season last year. Anton told us:
"People always tell us that the service saved their life. It is not something to be taken lightly."
The Shrewsbury Ark told us they cannot provide that level of support this year, without more funding.
Shropshire Council said...
Shropshire Council said: "Last year Shropshire Council working alongside The Shrewsbury Ark extended our Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) to not only provide accommodation for rough sleepers when the temperatures were below zero, but also to support rough sleepers for an extended period from mid-January to mid-March.
"This was assisted by the government’s financial support for winter pressures. This grant is no longer available this year, however Shropshire Council are still looking to run a similar service and are working with ARK and other services to agree staffing and other arrangements to make this available in the New Year.
"In the meantime, Shropshire Council have activated SWEP as the temperatures are expected to be below zero on Wednesday night and Thursday night.
"All rough sleepers are being invited into accommodation that we have available in Shrewsbury. All local agencies working with rough sleepers have been advised of the arrangements.
"Shropshire Council have only this month reopened a hostel for rough sleepers with 10 rooms and onsite support."
'Best provision possible'
Cllr James Owen (Portfolio Holder for Housing & Leisure) said “We are very conscious of the dangers of rough sleepers out in severe weather.
"Our teams work with rough sleepers year-round to support them and work hard to try and get them to engage with services and into sustainable accommodation.
"We are committed to working with partners again this winter to ensure the best provision possible.”
We have contacted the government for comment.