To ensure that as many of those who may need to access the provision of accommodation during severe weather the council send email announcements to all agencies who work with and interact with rough sleepers to let them know that the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is in place. These agencies, along with our commissioned outreach provider then relay this message face to face, either whilst conducting outreach or though attendance at daytime homeless support services provided by local voluntary organisations. They also provide support for clients to access/contact the council to facilitate this accommodation provision. All rough sleepers that are known to the council are also contacted by telephone by the council to offer accommodation. The council carefully monitors forecasts and will try to bring in the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) prior to the predicted bad weather when this is possible and as such let agencies and clients know as far in advance as possible to maximise take up. We also publicise SWEP being in place via our website and social media.

If anyone has concerns about rough sleepers that you believe are not known to us and may need assistance they can report this via https://thestreetlink.org.uk/ who will then send an alert through to the council and our outreach provider which enables us to visit the site they have been seen at to offer support.