Exeter responds to freezing temperatures

If the recent snowfall is any indication, temperatures are set to plunge to freezing in the coming nights. In response, Exeter City Council has introduced additional measures to ensure rough sleepers have access to shelter and vital support.

The Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be activated from Wednesday, November 20, through Monday, November 25. The measure provides extra emergency accommodation for rough sleepers during periods of extreme weather.

Cllr Marina Asvachin, Lead Councillor for Housing, Homelessness, and Customer Services, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “With every night that someone sleeps rough on our streets, they are seriously at risk. With temperatures expected to dip to freezing over the coming nights, that risk increases,” she said. “Once again, we will be providing additional emergency bed spaces during this cold spell to help reduce the chance of harm. I would like to pay tribute to all those working in the homelessness prevention teams. Without their planning and quick action, these emergency beds would not be available.”

The SWEP ensures that individuals confirmed by outreach services as sleeping rough in Exeter are contacted and offered shelter where spaces are available. The Council collaborates with local homelessness prevention partners to expand accommodation during severe weather events.

Members of the public are encouraged to report rough sleepers to Streetlink at streetlink.org.uk.

The service allows concerned individuals to notify authorities about those in need and provides resources for rough sleepers to connect with local support services.

Streetlink also caters to individuals living in conditions unfit for habitation, such as cars, vans, doorways, or abandoned buildings.

As the cold spell sets in, collaboration between the Council, outreach teams, and the community remains vital in preventing harm and supporting those in need.