Severe Weather Emergency Protocol extended

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 5 November, agreed to extend its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).  

The SWEP will now be triggered when there is one day of cold weather forecast and will now include other types of 'severe' weather such as wind, heat, snow and rain, which all have a negative impact on those sleeping rough.

Cllr Jacqui Harris, Health, Wellbeing and Housing Portfolio says: "The District Council has operated a SWEP since 2011 and this has been based upon the national guidance which was issued at that time. This guidance has recently been updated and now advocates greater protection for rough sleepers.   

"Most of us can't imagine what it must be like to sleep rough, but I hope that the decision taken by The Cabinet today goes some way to offer some protection in the future to those who need it the most.  The humanitarian duty on the District Council should weigh heavily in our minds and we should recognise that by protecting this vulnerable group we are also reducing implications for other public agencies such as the Health Service and GPs."

Officers will now work up a new protocol in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Housing in consultation with the Leader, which should be in place in the next couple of weeks.    

The District Council's SWEP was first agreed in December 2011, to ensure accommodation was available for people who sleep rough during extreme cold weather, when temperatures drop below zero for three consecutive nights.

In addition to this cold weather protection the District Council also provides other support for rough sleepers all-year round at the Stratford Link Project located at 14 Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BA. 

The Link Project provides help, support and advice to rough sleepers, former rough sleepers and those who are socially isolated. This includes access to showering and washing facilities, food and drink (including water to ensure hydration), clothing and footwear (from donated items).

During times when the SWEP is triggered, the Link Project extends its opening hours to provide additional support to those who are sleeping rough. Last winter, it was decided to change the number of opening days to five a week, and this has been retained since the cold weather ended.

Those wishing to support the Stratford Link Project can make a donation at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stratfordlinkproject