Emergency heat support activated for people sleeping rough in Somerset

Somerset’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) is active from Tuesday 11 August until Friday 14 August, when the arrangements will be reviewed.

Anyone concerned about a person sleeping rough during the severe weather should make a referral through StreetLink. During office hours, residents can also call 0300 123 22 24. The out-of-hours number is 0300 123 23 27.

Key points

• Outreach teams are contacting people sleeping rough and increasing welfare checks
• Support includes drinking water, sunscreen, sun hats and help accessing cool, safe spaces
• The measures apply across Somerset and are due for review on Friday 14 August

Why the emergency provision is active

Somerset uses SWEP when severe weather may place people sleeping outside at greater risk. The summer protocol is triggered automatically when the Met Office forecasts temperatures exceeding 26°C, so its activation does not depend on residents applying for the measures to begin.

The provision is not limited to hot weather. Somerset Council says severe-weather conditions can also include temperatures of 0°C or below, high winds and flooding.

SWEP has two stated aims: preventing deaths on the streets during severe weather and making every effort to engage people with support. The current measures apply across Somerset, with outreach and council teams focusing on people who are sleeping rough during the period of activation.

Support being offered across Somerset

Outreach teams are contacting people known to be sleeping rough while SWEP is active. Council teams are also carrying out additional welfare checks.

The confirmed help includes:

• Drinking water to support hydration
• Sunscreen and sun hats to reduce exposure
• Signposting and assistance to reach cool, safe spaces during the hottest parts of the day
• Access to trained staff who can recognise and respond to signs of heat-related illness

The council’s notice does not list individual warning signs of heat-related illness or specify particular accommodation arrangements. It confirms that trained staff involved in the response can identify signs and act when someone needs help. Residents do not need to assess a person’s condition themselves before reporting a concern.

When and how to report a concern

Residents should act if they are concerned about someone sleeping rough in Somerset during the severe weather. A referral can be submitted through StreetLink, providing information about the person and where they were seen so it can be passed to the appropriate outreach service.

Telephone help is also available through Somerset Council:

• Office hours: 0300 123 22 24
• Outside office hours: 0300 123 23 27

Somerset Council also directs residents to its Emergency help in severe weather page and its Help for people who are rough sleeping page. These arrangements remain confirmed until Friday 14 August, when the activation will be reviewed. Measures after that point will depend on the outcome of the review.

Source: Somerset Council Newsroom