Cold weather - Rough sleepers

Due to the cold weather earlier this week the Greater London Authority triggered its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

This protocol is put in place to support the homeless and rough sleeping community, and is triggered when the Met Office forecasts temperatures will drop below freezing for three days anywhere in London. It is lifted again once temperatures improve.

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.

The SWEP operation was launched on December 7 and 8 – and ended on December 9.

As a result of the SWEP operation the outreach team looked for 14 known rough sleepers, of these; 

  • Eight were not contactable 
  • Two were offered accommodation but refused it
  • Two were accommodated in Newham    
  • Two were taken to the pan-London No Second Night Out assessment hub

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali said; “The council’s Rough Sleeping outreach team have done an extraordinary job to accommodate rough sleepers during the Covid-19 crisis. As a result of their efforts 195 people have been taken directly from the streets, and a further 40 removed from shared spaces placed into more suitable properties.

“Due to this work there are relatively fewer people sleeping outside in Newham this winter, however the team will continue to work with those who continue to resist efforts to accommodate them.”

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

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.

Published: 11 Dec 2020