What is SWEP?
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) provides humanitarian assistance to people sleeping rough during periods of severe weather.
SWEP is most commonly activated during prolonged cold weather.
When is SWEP Triggered?
In Chorley, cold weather SWEP is triggered when:
- the night-time temperature is predicted to be 0°C or below for 3 consecutive nights or more
- the first night of SWEP begins on the first night of zero degrees.
What Happens When SWEP is Activated?
- rough sleepers will be offered temporary accommodation in the local area for the duration of the severe weather or until they find suitable alternative housing, whichever is sooner
- transport may be provided to a safe place if local accommodation is not suitable.
Exceptions
SWEP does not apply to all rough sleepers.
Accommodation may not be offered if someone is considered too high risk for local provision, for example:
- risk of violence towards others
- advice from the police, mental health services, children’s social care, or probation.
These cases will be recorded, along with instances where emergency accommodation is refused.
Our Commitment
In all cases, we will offer advice and assistance at the earliest opportunity, aiming to achieve a long-term solution.
SWEP works alongside our ongoing efforts to reduce rough sleeping and provide support.
If you are at risk of rough sleeping, please contact us on 01257 515151 or email housing.solutions@chorley.gov.uk and a member of the housing team will get in touch with you.
If you are worried that someone might be sleeping rough and needs assistance with accessing support with housing. You can report a rough sleeper online using the street link online reporting system.