SOMERSET Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) as temperatures drop across the county, providing emergency accommodation for rough sleepers until Monday, November 16.
The scheme is designed to protect vulnerable people from the dangers of severe weather and operates when temperatures are forecast to fall to 0°C or below.
Council outreach teams are now working across Somerset to contact people sleeping rough and encourage them to take up offers of emergency accommodation.
The SWEP programme is used by local authorities throughout the country during periods of severe weather and can also be activated during heatwaves, flooding and high winds.
Somerset Council said the response has two key aims: ensuring nobody dies on the streets because of severe weather and making every effort to connect rough sleepers with support services.
Somerset provides emergency accommodation for rough sleepers
A council spokesperson said: "Please help to spread the message that suitable accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the severe weather.
"Check if you can access the service by calling 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours as early as possible."
The council said support workers will continue to provide additional assistance to anyone who chooses to remain sleeping rough while SWEP is active.
Residents concerned about someone sleeping rough during the cold weather are encouraged to make a referral through StreetLink, which helps connect vulnerable people with local support services and emergency accommodation.
Further information about emergency accommodation during severe weather and support available for rough sleepers can be found on Somerset Council's website.
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