West Berkshire Council activate their severe weather protocol to help rough sleepers.

West Berkshire Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) so that rough sleepers are able to access warm, safe accommodation at Two Saints as well as wider support and advice where appropriate.

SWEP helps the small number of people who are not normally eligible for services, choose to sleep rough or have previously refused support from housing services.

It is part of a much broader programme of activity to tackle homelessness in the district. The council’s housing team works all year round alongside a number of local partners including West Berkshire Homeless, Loose Ends and Newbury Soup Kitchen to support the work of Two Saints and ensure that rough sleepers always receive the help they need.

We’re working to help prevent people becoming homeless in the first place as well as offering help and support when it does occur including our ‘No Second Night Out’ policy to help people find emergency accommodation.

We also have outreach workers going out to see people sleeping rough in the area to let them know accommodation is available along with other options for support.

Gary Lugg, Head of Development and Planning at West Berkshire Council

Anyone at risk of sleeping rough on the streets tonight should visit West Berkshire Council’s offices in Market Street, Newbury for support. Anyone who becomes homeless when the offices are closed should contact the council’s Emergency Duty Team on 01344 786543.

People can also tell Streetlink. StreetLink exists to help end rough sleeping by enabling members of the public to connect people sleeping rough with the local services that can support them.

More information about the support available for rough sleepers can be found on the West Berkshire Council website.