Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) Support

During the recent freezing weather, a spell of sub-zero temperatures from 13-20 January, individuals who would normally have been sleeping rough were helped off the streets into emergency accommodation. This emergency support, known as the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), helps protect the homeless from freezing conditions.

SWEP activations help to bring people who would otherwise have been rough sleeping into safe accommodation during the extreme winter weather. This help protects many members of our community who currently find themselves without a home. However, rather than be a temporary solution to a temporary change in weather. SWEP can make a positive contribution to individuals allowing them to start their journey from being homeless to permanent independent housing. Some individuals remain in accommodation, which could include supported housing, temporary accommodation such as hostels and B&B's, whilst others successfully return to their family homes.

Homeless Organisations work in partnership with Councils and other key agencies to deliver a coordinated, safe and effective response to a severe weather warning. The aim is to keep people safe, building rapport, starting to gain trust and where possible, providing creative solutions to future housing and support. During this winter's SWEP, outreach and housing teams, as well as various other partner agencies will actively engage with people coming in from the cold, helping people impacted by street homelessness to access the support they need.

SWEP activations serve as a crucial link in the pathway towards permanent accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness. While SWEP primarily focuses on providing emergency shelter during severe weather conditions, its impact often extends far beyond temporary respite. By connecting individuals with shelter and support services during SWEP activations, outreach workers and service providers can engage with them, assess their needs, and begin the process of securing stable, permanent housing solutions.

These activations create environments where individuals can access resources, guidance, and assistance in navigating the complexities of homelessness. Through coordinated efforts between local authorities, outreach teams, and service providers, SWEP can serve as a catalyst for long-term change by facilitating access to housing programs, support networks, and essential services.

By addressing the immediate needs of individuals during SWEP activations and providing pathways to permanent accommodation. Communities can work towards ending the cycle of homelessness and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

SWEP is triggered to safeguard lives during severe weather. When temperatures are forecasted to be zero degrees or lower for three consecutive nights, SWEP is activated. Our operations team constantly monitors the weather forecasts during the winter months, assessing the likelihood of an activation. Ensuring that we have sufficient staff resources to supply existing and new clients if additional emergency cover is required. We are proud that in January’s sub-zero temperatures we covered 100% of the 45 additional emergency shifts.

As a partner to several organisations that provide accommodation during SWEP activations, 360 Services are proud to be part of this network of support.

www.360-services.co.uk [email protected] 01322 277 051