The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is a London-wide emergency plan run by the Greater London Authority.
The plan was activated in Croydon yesterday (January 2).
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol makes sure rough sleepers have access to safe shelter when the weather becomes dangerous.
Supporting rough sleepers is a priority for Croydon Council, and SWEP is one way the council works to keep people safe.
The council provides a range of support for rough sleepers all year round.
This includes a 28-day assessment hub with 15 bed spaces, and a service called ‘Somewhere Safe to Stay,’ which helps people coming off the streets.
Emergency accommodation with 18 beds is also available, including a guesthouse for vulnerable female rough sleepers.
The Housing First service helps rough sleepers find stable homes with extra support, using eight properties.
The council also has a private rented sector service to help rough sleepers find affordable housing.
The outreach team and the council’s rough sleeping team are at the heart of this work.
They act as the main point of contact for engaging with rough sleepers, checking the council’s database, and referring people to suitable accommodation when needed.
Many rough sleepers are already known to the outreach team or have previously worked with other partner services.
As part of SWEP, the council works with its partners to make sure anyone at risk of rough sleeping is supported.
Partners are encouraged to engage with the outreach team or contact the council directly about rough sleepers they are aware of.
The council can be reached at SWEP@Croydon.gov.uk.
Members of the public can also help by using the StreetLink app to report concerns about anyone at risk or currently rough sleeping.
This is the second SWEP to be activated this winter, the first being in November, when the council provided 29 people with safe and warm places to stay.
