Severe weather emergency protocol
During extremely cold weather, when temperatures fall to zero degrees or lower for three consecutive days, the Government-backed Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is launched.
The Housing Options Team monitors Met Office forecasts and decides when SWEP should be activated.
What happens when SWEP is activated
When SWEP is in place, we provide emergency accommodation for anyone who presents as homeless. This may include using additional accommodation such as hotels or bed and breakfasts if needed.
People can decide whether to accept an offer of shelter based on their individual circumstances.
How to get help
During periods of severe weather, we share updates on our Facebook and X (Twitter) pages when SWEP is activated.
You can also let us know about anyone sleeping rough through the StreetLink website. StreetLink connects people sleeping rough with local services that can offer support.
Rough sleepers can also contact us directly:
- By phone (24 hours): 01793 445503
- In person during office hours:
- Central Library, Regent Circus, SN1 1QG
- Haven Day Centre, Queens Drive, SN3 1AR
Why SWEP is temporary
SWEP is a short-term emergency response that requires additional funding and staff resource. It depends on staff and volunteers going above and beyond their usual commitments, which means it cannot be delivered on an ongoing basis outside of emergency conditions.
Ongoing support
We continue to help rough sleepers and people at risk of homelessness throughout the year. Find advice and support on our homelessness pages.