Severe hot weather - rough sleepers

​​Due to the hot weather the Greater London Authority has triggered its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to support the homeless and rough sleeping community, after the Met Office forecasted temperatures in the capital would reach in excess of 30 degrees for the first four days of this week.

SWEP is designed to target the most vulnerable individuals who are sleeping rough and is accessible to people who would otherwise be excluded from services.

Once SWEP is triggered it remains in place for four nights, so the SWEP operation was launched on Monday – and will end on Thursday subject to the weather forecast.

As a result of the SWEP operation outreach workers have been visiting rough sleeping hotspots in Newham and offering water, sun cream and advice.

As is normal practice the outreach team will continue to work with the rough sleepers who refused accommodation.

Those that refuse help are being given advice by outreach staff and their details, including age, name, any complex needs (e.g. alcohol, mental health) are recorded, alongside their location with a view to re-engage.

Newham Outreach teams will also offer respite from the heat with rough sleepers able to use the day centres listed below for food, shower, advocacy and place to rest. We can also offer emergency accommodation if required.

If anyone is concerned about a rough sleeper they should call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or visit www.streetlink.org.uk – and give as much information as you can about the location of the person, and if possible a description, and what time you saw them. If you have serious concerns about a person’s health please ring 999.

Tuesday: 8:30am – 2:30pm

Salvation Army, 1 Paul Street, Stratford E15 4QB

Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9:00am – 2:30pm

Bonny Downes Church, 18 Darwell Close, East Ham, London E6 6BT

You can find useful advice on how to prevent heat-related illness and death on the Government's website.

For more information on how to cope in hot weather, visit the NHS Choices website​.

Published: 23 Jul 2019