Due to the cold weather expected over Christmas 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.
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 23rd and will last until December 26th.
Council outreach workers are currently out in the borough looking for anyone who requires 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.
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.