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Leigh On Sea News: Severe Weather Emergency Protocols – SOUTHEND City Council has implemented two Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEPs) so far this winter, to provide shelter for local people sleeping rough during the recent freezing weather.
Severe Weather Emergency Protocols - SOUTHEND City Council has implemented two Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEPs) so far this winter, to provide shelter for local people sleeping rough during the recent freezing weather.
SOUTHEND City Council has implemented two Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEPs) so far this winter, to provide shelter for local people sleeping rough during the recent freezing weather.
Statistics for when the SWEPs took place, how many nights each lasted for and how many rough sleepers were helped, are not available. A spokesperson for the council said: “Unfortunately the stats aren’t available.”
However, the spokesperson added: “These efforts, in partnership with HARP (Southend’s leading homeless charity) and other local charities, have been successful.”
In past years, a number of local churches would work together with Southend Council to provide emergency night shelters for rough sleepers throughout the coldest periods of the winter months, but this no longer happens.
The Council’s spokesperson explained: “During the pandemic, the government stopped church winter night shelters due to health concerns.
“Instead, the government created the ‘Everyone In’ programme, where local councils and their partners worked to place people directly into safer accommodation, like hotels and B&Bs.
“A return to things like church-based provision has been discouraged by Government.
“However, since then, the council and its partners have improved their support for those in need. Many local parishioners continue to volunteer in these collective efforts.”
Coun Anne Jones, cabinet member for planning, housing, and the local plan, said: “The council is committed to ensuring that no one is left out in the cold.
“Our joint efforts between our housing officers, local charities and volunteers have been crucial in providing safe and warm accommodation.
“We will continue to work together to support those experiencing rough sleeping and homelessness, especially during harsh weather conditions.”
Clare Wilson, Head of Communications at HARP, added: “As you can imagine, even when SWEP isn’t activated, it remains cold and dangerous for anyone sleeping rough during the winter months.
“HARP’s ongoing work focuses on supporting rough sleepers to access support and find accommodation – whether in a HARP property, through the council, or in private rented housing.
“We continue to experience a demand for our services, there is a steady flow of rough sleepers visiting our Bradbury Day Centre in Southend daily for support in the form of shelter, food, showers, and medical care.
“Ultimately, there is no quick fix and we understand that the issue of addressing homelessness is more than just providing a roof over someone’s head.
“The overwhelming need is for systemic changes to happen with more genuinely affordable, quality housing – both social housing and private rentals.
“If people want to learn more, offer help, or donate to support our work in Southend, they can visit our website at www.harpsouthend.org.uk.”
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