Croydon and councils across London have this week activated their severe weather emergency protocol – or SWEP – a response to providing a safe warm space to any rough sleeper in the capital.

Cold threat: special measures are in place to get people off the streets in the extreme cold weather

The activation of SWEP ensures that councils and homelessness charities open emergency accommodation for people who are sleeping rough during weather conditions that could pose a threat to life.

Temperatures have dropped drastically this week, even in day time, and there is a serious storm warning for parts of the country from the Met Office for this weekend.

SWEP “aims to ensure that vulnerable people are protected and provided for during severe weather”, Croydon Council says.

“We, along with Croydon Reach, the rough sleeper outreach team, and other homeless services will be making every effort to offer shelter to all people sleeping rough Croydon by providing emergency shelter during severe weather.”

New homes: the council claims to have found accommodation for those sleeping in tents near East Croydon

Today, the council tweeted that it had placed the street homeless who were using tents on Altyre Road, opposite East Croydon Station, “into homes with ongoing support to help them on their journey to stability”.

They also ask the public for their help, and to contact Streetlink if they see anyone sleeping rough and in need of help and support.

“If you see anyone who is sleeping outside, preparing to bed down, or sleeping somewhere not designed for habitation, such as a car, you can help by asking them if they are already known to council or voluntary rough sleeper services.

“If they are, you can still help by contacting Croydon Reach, a dedicated service for rough sleepers in Croydon. You can also email them at: CRDuty@thamesreach.org.uk.”

More information about how you can help rough sleepers, including a directory of voluntary organisations, is available on the Croydon Voluntary Action group newsletter.

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