We are delighted to be working with the Shropshire Council Rough Sleepers Team when Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated.
Legislation states that if a three-day period of temperatures below zero are predicted, councils nationally must put in place a safe space for people to sleep inside.
Here is Shropshire we active SWEP on the first night it goes below zero, we do not wait for three nights to pass.
Accommodation isn't something we provide, but our recent collaboration with the Rough Sleepers Team has meant that rather than using hotels, the space on the ground floor of The Ark is used when emergency accommodation is needed when SWEP is activated.
Craig and Alexis who work within the Rough Sleeper Team explain what SWEP involves:
It has been agreed that SWEP will take place at The Ark for at least the next two years.
This means that clients are staying in a safe, reliable and trusted environment.
The initiative saves the council money as the cost of using The Ark is cheaper than paying for individual hotels.
The ground floor space is open to anyone sleeping outside and if people are located outside of Shrewsbury the rough sleepers team can pay for them to travel to Shrewsbury.
Staff from the Rough Sleepers Team stay until approximately 11pm and a security guard in present all night to ensure everyone is safe.
The Rough Sleeper Team then return before 7am to check in with clients.
The Ark then closes for two hours in order to be cleaned and prepared for opening the day centre at 9am.
Why is this initiative is better than hotel accommodation?
The collaborative work between the teams means that people who are sleeping on the streets are supported by people sharing information and able to make informed decisions.
Sharing working space at The Ark has meant that processes are simplified and clearer to people who are sleeping on our streets.
Feedback from people using the service
We spoke to Nick who is homeless for the first time in his life as of this winter about how SWEP is working.
Nick tells us that even sleeping in a car during winter can be freezing cold.
“Being able to access The Ark has been fantastic, as it is a warm safe space. Everyone follows the rules and a good night’s sleep is had by all.”
SWEP was activated on 1 January 2025, and ran for several days.
We will continue to work with Council every time sub-zero temperatures are forecast and SWEP is activated throughout the winter months.
Local media coverage
Councilor Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for Housing and Assets, told local media:
“The winter months can be especially difficult for individuals who are experiencing rough sleeping.
“Shropshire Council’s SWEP protocol has been activated over the past week following the drop in temperature.
“SWEP is run by the council’s Rough Sleeper team and volunteers comprising of The Shrewsbury Ark, mental health team and other partner agencies.
“Throughout the evenings our Rough Sleeper team has been visiting all rough sleepers to remind them that this provision is available, and to encourage them to come in from the cold. Police, the Council, the Street Pastors and others are also helping to ensure everyone is made aware that they do not need to be outside. Taxis have been made available for those who may be unable to travel easily to a facility.
“Those who are rough sleeping will have access to hot food, support, and a warm place to stay both day and night during cold winter temperatures. Our officers will also work closely with individuals who are rough sleeping or lack other accommodation options to find them more permanent housing solutions.
“SWEP is better equipped and staffed it’s ever been, so to ensure no one has to be out in freezing weather, SWEP will be activated on a daily basis when the weather is forecast to get to zero degrees or below at any time overnight.
“The provision is available throughout the winter months, even if an individual has previously declined an offer (or multiple offers). There is a statutory duty on the council to provide an offer of SWEP during severe weather conditions.
“I would like to thank all officers and partners for their hard work and dedication in what has been extremely cold conditions, in helping rough sleepers in our county, access a warm place to sleep and eat.”
Read the write on the BBC website here.
Read the write up on the Shropshire Star website here.
Read the write up on the Shropshire Live website here.
Thank you everyone who supports us.
As a charity, we are totally reliant on grants and donations, and a brilliant team of volunteers to support our staff, to operate.
You can donate to our Trustees Campaign here.
Looking for a volunteer role? We've got plenty of opportunities at the day centre or at our shop, so please do get in touch.
And please do spread the word - follow us on social media: we’re active on X (formally known as Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.