Extra help is on the way for those at risk of sleeping rough as freezing temperatures have triggered an emergency plan.
When there are three consecutive nights at zero degrees or below, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is triggered. This protocol provides quicker access to an emergency bed while Kirklees Council continues its ongoing work to tackle homelessness.
The council’s Rough Sleeping Initiative team, homelessness partners and street outreach groups operate throughout the year, assisting many at risk of sleeping rough. This includes facilitating access to emergency accommodation and support in addressing poor health and substance misuse.
Everyone who is given a bed through SWEP receives a visit from a housing officer the next morning. This is to talk them through their options and discuss how they can get longer-term help.
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If people are not ready to accept the help through SWEP our partners at The Mission and The Welcome Centre both offer somewhere they can go and get warm and have a chat. In January, when there were similarly harsh conditions, Charlie Taylor, Deputy Advice Manager at The Welcome Centre said: “These harsh weather conditions are extremely hard for those on the streets and rough sleepers.
“Having SWEP triggered as soon as possible is paramount for the safety of those most vulnerable to harsh weather. If you know of anyone who may need this support they should follow the SWEP procedures as soon as possible.”
Kirklees Council says on its website: “We’re committed to helping people permanently get off the streets. Our colleagues in housing solutions work all year to support people at risk of becoming homeless or who are already rough sleeping. We provide support and emergency accommodation for eligible people who find themselves homeless.
“You can help the homeless at any time. If you see a homeless person or someone who looks to be sleeping rough you can let the relevant people know where they are, and when you saw them through Street Link. The app alerts the council’s housing solutions team and their partner organisation who can go and check what, if any, help the person needs.”
The council has also urged anyone who knows or meets someone who will be sleeping rough at this time to contact them on either the Emergency Duty Service for out-of-hours/weekends on 01484 414933 or the Housing Solutions Service for weekdays between 9am and 5pm on 01484 221350.
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