Published: Thursday 30 November 2023
Rough sleepers are receiving additional support after the London-wide Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated for the first time in 2024.
Brought into effect whenever the temperature is forecast to drop to freezing or below, SWEP aims to protect street homeless people during the colder winter months. It was activated six times during the winter of 2022/23, covering a total of 28 days.
What we will be doing
In Kensington and Chelsea, we will be carrying out additional patrols around the borough to identify rough sleepers and offer them accommodation and support.
All boroughs in London have committed to the 'In for Good' principle, which means no one will be asked to leave accommodation until a support plan is in place to end their rough sleeping.
How you can help
Members of the public can play their part in protecting vulnerable residents by reporting rough sleepers to Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or using the organisation's online reporting tool. If you have immediate concerns for someone’s safety, they're in need of medical assistance or are under 18, call 999.