EMERGENCY accommodation is being sought for rough sleepers in Somerset after an emergency status came into force across the county.
Somerset Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) is active during a period of cold weather.
Providing emergency accommodation for rough sleepers to prevent harm or death due to the severe weather is among provisions of the status, which is triggered when temperatures drop below freezing.
“Outreach teams are currently contacting rough sleepers in Somerset to encourage them to take up offer of emergency accommodation and will offer additional support for anyone continuing to sleep rough during SWEP,” a council spokesperson said.
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The council said SWEP in Somerset has two aims:
To ensure that no one dies on the streets due to severe weather
To ensure that every effort is made to engage individuals with support
“Please help to spread the message that suitable accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the severe weather,” a spokesperson added.
People can check if you can access the service by calling 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours as early as possible.
“If you’re concerned that someone is rough sleeping in Somerset during the severe weather, please visit StreetLink to refer them, so they can get access to suitable accommodation,” a spokesperson added.
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