Kirklees Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) activated as temperatures set drop

Due to the cold weather, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated, which means we are currently offering rough sleepers in Kirklees a warm bed for the night. The protocol is an additional 'safety net' for those in danger of rough sleeping.

SWEP is activated when temperatures are forecast to fall to zero degrees or below, for three consecutive nights or when severe adverse weather is predicted. It aims to prevent deaths on the streets in severe weather, this round has been active since today (Monday 18 November) and will continue to be reviewed.

If you know or meet anyone who sleeping rough during this time, please contact us on the number below and spread the word so that other people are aware too:

Out of hours/weekend - Emergency Duty Service 01484 414933

Or

Weekdays between 9 and 5pm - Housing Solutions Service - 01484 221350

Our Rough Sleeping Initiative team, homelessness partners and street outreach groups operate all year, assisting many at risk of sleeping rough. This includes facilitating access to emergency accommodation and support with addressing poor health and substance misuse. SWEP provides quicker access to an emergency bed while we continue to work with individuals.

Useful to know

• SWEP has the potential to change a life. Everyone who is given a bed through SWEP receives a visit by a housing officer the next morning. They will talk through their options and discuss longer term help option. Sometimes, people just are not ready. If people won't accept help thorough SWEP, our partners at The Huddersfield Mission and the Welcome Centre both offer somewhere they to chat and keep warm.
• We allow pets wherever possible, however, there are a small number of places we work with where pets can't go. We take this into consideration when we allocate emergency accommodation.
• We are committed to helping people get off the streets permanently. Our colleagues in Housing Solutions work all year to support people at risk of becoming homeless or who are already rough sleeping. We provide support and emergency accommodation for eligible people who finds themselves homeless.
• You can help the homeless at any time. If you see a homeless person or someone who looks to be sleeping rough you can let the relevant people know where they are, and when you saw them through Street Link. The app alerts the council's Housing Solutions team and their partner organisation who can go and check what, if any, help the person needs.

Winter information

Check our winter information webpage for help, support and guidance this winter. Also follow our dedicated winter account X (formerly Twitter) @KirkleesWinter.