The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) aims to ensure that vulnerable people are protected when weather conditions can threaten the safety and wellbeing of rough sleepers in Elmbridge.
We activate our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) when the weather forecast shows the temperature is set to drop to zero degrees celsius or below for at least 3 consecutive days. We also consider implementing SWEP when exceptionally cold or inclement weather is forecast that falls short of this definition.
During SWEP if there are rough sleepers or street homeless people in Elmbridge, temporary accommodation can be provided for the SWEP period. This would be local assessment bed/night shelter provision, or bed breakfast accommodation if the assessment bed/night shelter is not available.
Get help for a rough sleeper during SWEP
You can let us know about a rough sleeper in Elmbridge by:
- downloading the Streetlink app
- calling Streetlink on 0300 500 0914
- contacting us during office hours (8:45am to 4:45pm) on 01372 474590 or email housingoptions@elmbridge.gov.uk
- contacting our out of hours service on 0300 123 7718 outside of office hours and at weekends
When contacting us, please provide as much information as possible about the location of the individual you are calling about.
Even when SWEP is in place, we cannot forcefully intervene to provide an individual with support and accommodation. Some people refuse help and this is their right.