Rotherham Council has helped dozens of people by providing emergency accommodation for rough sleepers and people at risk of sleeping rough during freezing temperatures this winter.
The Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) on eight occasions between November and January, with the number of days it remained active varying between one and 12 nights at a time.
SWEP aims to prevent serious harm or risk to life during periods of severe weather, by offering emergency accommodation to anyone sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough.
A total of 34 people were accommodated during the longest period of SWEP, from Wednesday 1 January to Monday 13 January.
Our Rough Sleeper Initiative (RSI) Team responds to any reports of rough sleeping that they’ve identified or that has been raised by external partners such as South Yorkshire Police and Shiloh and members of the public. During periods of severe weather, the Council’s Homelessness Team ensures that temporary accommodation is provided to anyone at risk of sleeping rough, even those who might not ordinarily receive support.
SWEP is just one part of the Council’s commitment to help provide support for rough sleepers and people who find themselves homeless throughout the year.
Our RSI Team completes weekly rough sleeper walks around the borough, as well as outreach work which includes wellbeing checks, providing support and signposting to other services that may also be of use.
There is currently 166 people in temporary accommodation across the borough.
Councillor Sarah Allen, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “Rotherham Council is committed to helping people live safe, happy and healthy lives.
“Tackling homelessness and ending rough sleeping in Rotherham in a priority for the Council and requires strong partnerships and engagement with a variety of organisations.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that no one has to endure the harsh conditions of rough sleeping, especially during severe weather, and that fewer people in Rotherham experience the trauma of homelessness and those who do can find a settled home quicker.”
The Council is also reminding people that if they are concerned about someone sleeping rough in our borough, you can report them to us by phoning 01709 336009 or emailing RSITeam@rotherham.gov.uk
Concerns can also be reported vita the Streetlink app, or by reporting online at thestreetlink.org.uk.
For more information visit Homelessness – Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council