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Additional help for rough sleepers during the winter

SWEP has been activated from Monday 5 April 2021 and will be reviewed on a daily basis.

Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated when a temperature of zero degrees Celsius or lower is forecast for three consecutive nights.

SWEP enables anyone sleeping rough in Norwich, Broadland or South Norfolk to access emergency accommodation and support during periods of exceptionally cold weather.

Norwich co-ordinates the provision on behalf of the three local authorities.

The council’s rough sleeping coordinator liaises with outreach staff and partner agencies to put emergency provision in place for everyone that needs support.

Temporary camp bed areas are set up within the communal spaces of existing supported housing projects to increase provision where needed, but individuals must be willing to receive assistance.

The city council dedicates significant resources throughout the year to preventing homelessness and supporting rough sleepers to access accommodation.

When the temperature dips to freezing or below it is more vital than ever that people engage with support services and accept the help that is offered to them.

Homeless services provided by the council and voluntary organisations will be notified when a period of SWEP is activated and the information can be found at a number of locations, including City Hall, City Reach Health Services, the Salvation Army’s Pottergate ARC, Bishopbridge House and St Stephen’s Church.

Anyone requiring immediate assistance with finding emergency accommodation can contact the council on 0344 980 3333. This number also provides out of hours support.

Members of the public can notify the council of people rough sleeping at any time by emailing roughsleepers@norwich.gov.uk or via contact@streetlink.org.uk

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