As we enter October, we’re turning our attention to the winter SWEP provision available to people facing homelessness in Birmingham. Whilst some aspects of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) remain the same, other measures are introduced during the winter months to tackle the unique challenges of freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall.
Following on from our previous blog, which focused on how SWEP works in dangerously hot weather, this month we’re diving into cold weather SWEP.
What is cold weather SWEP?
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is a locally agreed procedure to minimise the risk of harm or death to anyone who might be sleeping rough in extreme weather conditions. In Birmingham, the city council initiates cold weather SWEP whenever there is a severe weather warning in place, or when temperatures drop to levels that pose significant risks to health or life.
The support available during ‘cold SWEP’ includes the provision of emergency accommodation for people experiencing rough sleeping. The rough sleeping outreach team works to identify people who are sleeping rough and allocate them to emergency accommodation until the extreme weather conditions pass.
It is important to note that this is a temporary measure, although where possible, individuals will be put in touch with appropriate support services in the hope of providing support beyond the scope of SWEP.
Key community spaces around the city also open their doors to act as a warm space when SWEP has been activated, something that SIFA Fireside participates in.
How can you help someone during cold weather SWEP?
If you see someone rough sleeping during freezing temperatures or extreme weather, use the Street Link website to alert the rough sleeper outreach team who will try to find them and offer support.
If you see someone very unwell or suffering with signs of hypothermia, call for an ambulance immediately.
Whilst SWEP is activated, anyone over the age of 25 who is rough sleeping can use SIFA Fireside’s Support Centre, located on Liverpool Street in Digbeth, as a warm space. The centre is open for extended hours during SWEP, meaning that the space is accessible between 9am and 4pm.
Members of Birmingham City Council are based at SIFA Fireside to assist with emergency housing support, including with the provision of SWEP emergency accommodation. Adults are encouraged to make a Streetlink referral for themselves and/or others, or present to SIFA Fireside so they can access the available support.
This is in addition to SIFA’s usual rough sleeping provisions which include access to hot breakfasts, lunches, showers and laundry facilities amongst a variety of other key support services.
