In Solihull SWEP arrangements will be in place during any period of cold or severe weather throughout the year. This protocol will be flexible based on empathy for people sleeping rough in severe weather, rather than sticking to a fixed approach. We shall consider factors such as wind chill, snow coverage and duration of extreme weather when considering SWEP activation.
Cold: During periods of cold weather periods SWEP will be activated when the night time temperature is predicted to reach 0°C or below for one night or more.
Heatwave: temperatures forecasted at 25°C or above for more than 2 consecutive evenings SWEP will also be activated, however in extreme circumstances when temperatures are due to be 32°C or more for one day SWEP will also be activated. The Council will also work with its partners to establish cool, shaded, or indoor areas where rough sleepers can take shelter from the heat if required.
Any other inclement weather conditions including snow, ice, rain and high winds or other weather conditions which are likely to put the lives of people sleeping rough at risk, SWEP will be activated. It will be up to the SCH Homelessness and Housing Options Team to determine when the conditions have been met to operate SWEP.
Should you require accommodation you can contact Solihull Community Housing on 0121 717 1515 (which offers a 24-hour service) Any partner organisation or member of the public who identify a rough sleeper / potential rough sleeper can contact SCH on 0121 717 1515 (which offers a 24-hour service) or in an emergency the Police and other emergency services as appropriate).
If you are worried about someone you've seen sleeping rough in Solihull, you can alert Solihull’s Rough Sleeper Outreach Service via Streetlink.