Temperatures have certainly plummeted over the last few weeks and Brighton and Hove City Council has outlined measures to help people sleeping rough.
The city’s Make Change Count campaign supports charities and organisations that help homeless people find shelter and warmth. So far, this year’s campaign has raised over £1,300 of a £20,000 target and donations can still be made.
Similar to other local authorities, Brighton has a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for responding to homelessness. SWEP is triggered either when the temperature is predicted to feel like zero degrees, or when there is an amber weather alert. These are among the lowest thresholds in the country for offering SWEP accommodation.
The initiative is now in force across the city and is set to run until the end of March 2026.
Change Grow Live’s street outreach service works with the local authority and other services to refer people known to be sleeping rough and those who might be doing so for the first time.
Individuals who are referred are invited into safe, warm accommodation. Most provision is in single or double rooms, but additional communal space is available if needed. What’s more, food is provided and assessments and support are offered to individuals.
‘The city’s SWEP accommodation is a vital service keeping people safe and warm through the winter,’ Cllr Paul Nann, lead member for Homelessness at Brighton & Hove City Council, said. ‘We believe it is everyone’s right to have somewhere decent to live, and we want to help everyone sleeping on the streets into safe, secure accommodation.
‘It’s why our triggers for opening the severe weather accommodation is among the lowest in the country.’
In addition to SWEP, the city operates several ‘Off-Street Offer’ projects, providing short-stay emergency accommodation for up to 30 people who have been homeless long-term. Round the clock support is available and a trauma-informed approach helps people begin their recovery from rough sleeping.
Another two projects provide some 28 further places, prioritising couples and women with experience of rough sleeping. Again, the service offers personalised assessments and support.
You can let the service know about anyone sleeping rough in Brighton & Hove, including people staying in tents, via the Streetlink website. The council also offers help if you are worried about losing your home or homelessness.
Image: Callum Parker/UnSplash
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