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Support for rough sleepers

Severe weather arrangements

Cold weather

Norwich City Council follows Government guidance on supporting vulnerable people before and during cold weather. This was updated in September 2023.

This means, in addition to the continual work done by Norwich City Council, partners and local homelessness organisations to make sure no-one sleeps rough, an additional rapid response will be provided alongside police colleagues.

Colleagues from Pathways, homelessness services and Norwich City Council would be out and about to notify potential rough sleepers that beds are available.

People who are sleeping rough and want to access this emergency accommodation can call 0344 980 3333 (this includes an out-of-hours service).

The SWEP co-ordinators would then allocate emergency beds. The decision about which SWEP venue is most suitable for an individual rough sleeper is based on information provided by Pathways about their needs, where this is known.

If people are concerned about someone sleeping rough, this can be reported by the national StreetLink website or app at any time, however, if you think there is immediate danger to the health of a rough sleeper please call 999.

Hot weather

In the event of a regional weather warning for severe heat, additional outreach will be provided by Norwich City Council's rough sleeper teams alongside our partners Pathways and St Martins. Daily operational meetings will be held to identify the most vulnerable and offer more targeted support. The city council and our partners will distribute packs which contain a refillable water bottle, hat, sun cream, sugary snacks, tips to stay cool and safe in the heat, signs of heat exhaustion/heatstroke, and information on the support services available.

During hot weather (but not severe), outreach teams focus on offering advice to anyone on the streets during the day. This advice is as follows: 

  • Drink plenty of water- even if you don’t feel thirsty
  • Reduce alcohol intake
  • Stay out of the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day (11am - 4pm)
  • Spend as much time as possible in cool buildings like the library, some churches, shopping centres
  • Wear a hat and loose, light coloured clothing.
  • Information about signs of exhaustion and heatstroke
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