Did you know? What SWEP is …
A Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is a set of guidelines and procedures designed to help individuals and communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, ensuring safety and minimising damage. These protocols vary based on the type of weather event, including severe cold, heavy rain, snow, wind and heatwaves.
- SWEP is a locally agreed procedure and offer, followed to minimise harm or death to anyone who might be sleeping rough in severe weather, through the provision of emergency accommodation
- there is no legal requirement for Local Authorities to provide shelter for everyone during severe weather. However, it is widely accepted that there is a humanitarian obligation to provide SWEP and prevent death
- a local authority, such as Arun District Council commissions SWEP and is responsible for putting it into place, when required
All rough sleepers in the Arun district who have no alternative option during severe weather conditions can access a SWEP bed should they wish. Please bear in mind that some rough sleepers do not want to take up this offer.
When SWEP is activated, details of the period it is to be implemented and when it is likely to stop will be shown on the Arun District Council website, and all our social media channels. Should the severe weather continue beyond what is anticipated, SWEP will be extended.
For more information on how to access SWEP, rough sleepers should approach Arun's Housing Options Team either by telephone on 01903 737552 or by attending the offices at either Bognor Town Hall or the Civic Centre in Littlehampton for an assessment of needs and an instant referral into SWEP.
Clients will then be given details of where and how to access a bed that night. Clients who need to access the service outside of these hours will need to contact the out of hours team on 01903 737500 for a referral and information on how/where to access.
If you are concerned about someone who is rough sleeping, please use the Streetlink app or this link StreetLink - Connecting people
to report your concerns which will be sent directly to our Outreach services who will endeavour to find individuals and notify them of the provision.
Clients who access SWEP will be provided with a hot meal, drinks, snacks and access to showers/washing facilities as well as support with seeking longer term accommodation options.
Read more here: Rough sleeping support services | Arun District Council