Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has put in place emergency measures in response to plummeting temperatures that could pose a risk to life for those forced to sleep on the streets. By announcing the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), the Mayor has asked councils and charities to provide extra beds for people sleeping rough as forecasters predicted below-freezing conditions in London tonight.

Centrepoint’s Head of Policy, Research and Campaigns, said:

“No one should be forced to sleep outside in current conditions, so it’s great news that the Mayor of London has announced SWEP today – it would be great to see other councils follow suit because this weather puts lives at risk.

“That said, it shouldn’t take a drop in temperature to get people off the streets. The simple fact is that, if the government in Westminster can muster enough political will to end rough sleeping, it could do so, because that’s exactly what happened during the pandemic. All the indications are that we are facing a crisis similar in scale this year – without anything like the level of support the government put in place to protect the most vulnerable then.

“SWEP protects those at the sharpest end of our cost-of-living and housing crises – but councils and charities can’t support everyone and they can’t do their vital work alone. To end rough sleeping and support those most at risk, particularly vulnerable young people, we need government to step up with sustained investment and a clear plan.”

Advice for members of the public

1. REFER THEM TO STREETLINK
StreetLink allows members of the public to connect young people sleeping rough with the local services and homeless charities that can support them. This is the easiest way to find young people out on the streets immediate support in cold weather.

You can download the StreetLink app from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store.

You can also call their 24 hour helpline on 0300 500 0914 or visit their website.

When you send an alert, you should include:

A specific location where the young person is sleeping
The time you saw the young person at this location
Any information about the young person that will help outreach workers find them (for example, gender, age, what the person looks like, what they’re wearing)
If you can, it’s probably best to let the young person know you’re referring them, as they may not want their details shared with other agencies. You can also ask them if they’re happy to pass on their mobile number so it’s easier for outreach workers to contact them.

2. STOP AND TALK TO THE YOUNG PERSON TO SEE IF THERE’S ANYTHING THEY NEED
This could include food, drink, thermals, bedding, a travelcard, Vaseline or a reusable water bottle.

While long-term help for homeless young people makes the biggest difference, having a conversation over a cup of tea can be really important.

3. GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR COUNCIL AND ASK ABOUT SWEP
SWEP stands for Severe Weather Emergency Protocol and provides emergency support for rough sleepers when the temperatures drop drastically. During SWEP, councils open extra beds in night shelters as well as other services.

4. REFER YOUNG PEOPLE TO DAY CENTRES
Day centres offer practical help such as a hot meal and access to showers and laundry facilities.

You can find your nearest day centre by using Homeless Link’s directory or calling the Centrepoint Helpline on 0808 800 0661.

If you have some spare time, you might also be able to volunteer at a day shelter if they need an extra pair of hands.

5. CALL THE EMERGENCY SERVICES
If someone appears to be in immediate danger or seems unwell, please call 999.

6. CALL THE CENTREPOINT HELPLINE
Our Helpline is here to offer advice to anyone in England aged 16-25 who’s homeless or at risk.

We listen, we advise and we connect homeless young people to the right services.

Call us for free on 0808 800 0661 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).