Now we’re into December, most people’s attention has turned to Christmas. We’re preparing to entertain, or be entertained by, friends and relatives, and shopping for gifts and food. But at this time of year when the weather can be at its harshest, we must not forget the least fortunate around us, such as those out on the streets rough sleeping.
In November we activated our SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) response to provide emergency accommodation for those rough sleeping during freezing temperatures.
This is triggered by forecast temperatures of 0 degrees or below for at least three consecutive nights, and is a humanitarian response for people who would otherwise be sleeping rough during extreme weather that we implement through one of our commissioned charity partners, St Mungo’s. Anyone referred to the Council’s Homelessness Prevention Team or St Mungo’s under SWEP are assessed, and, if verified as rough sleeping or at high risk of rough sleeping, provided with a short-term emergency bed space.
SWEP will be triggered again over the festive period should the very cold weather return, but whilst it is essential and an integral part of what we do to look after the most vulnerable in Reading, our programme of assistance is in place to protect them all year round. We are proud of our comprehensive support via a wide range of commissioned services to accommodate and support people who find themselves homeless, which are delivered by The Salvation Army, YMCA Reading and Launchpad Reading along with St Mungo’s.
A total of 249 bed spaces, in addition to those available through the SWEP response, are offered across the Council’s Homelessness Support Services to help single people and couples who are found rough sleeping, or at risk of rough sleeping.
We also have partnerships in place with the faith, voluntary and community sector who provide additional support, often through provision of food and clothing, or warm spaces.
Just last month we announced that our ongoing commitment to tackling rough sleeping was being strengthened by a £121,869 Government grant to support SWEP, the Bed for a Night (B4N) winter shelter run by FAITH Christian Group, and plans to create a daytime warm space offer between January and March, run by voluntary and charity sector partners.
We’re always looking at ways to increase and improve our support of those who need help the most, and you can play your part too in helping to look after the most vulnerable. If you are worried about someone sleeping rough, and want to ensure they have an offer of support, accommodation, or reconnection to accommodation, you can contact the St Mungo’s team by providing the location and some further details about who you are worried about at www.thestreetlink.org.uk. Alternatively, you could encourage the person to approach the Council’s Homelessness Prevention Service at the Civic Centre on Bridge Street during opening hours, or to call the team on 0118 937 2165 or 01344 351 999 in an out of hours emergency after 5pm or at weekends. More information can be found at www.reading.gov.uk/roughsleeping.
Cllr Liz Terry is the leader of Reading Borough Council
