The Big Freeze: Nearly 30 rough sleepers being supported by Peterborough City Council as Severe Weather Emergency Provision remains in place
With weather warnings in place following days of sub zero temperatures, Peterborough City Council is currently supporting around 30 rough sleepers to keep them safe during the wintry weather.
The council’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) was put into place last week, as snow, ice and freezing temperatures arrived in Peterborough.
SWEP means rough sleepers are given accommodation to keep them safe in extreme weather.
With weather warnings and cold health alerts already in place for Peterborough, the provision is vital for many rough sleepers.
A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “We are currently supporting just under 30 people through the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). Each individual is provided with immediate practical support, including clothing and toiletries where required. Alongside this, our team works holistically with every person to understand and address wider support needs, such as mental health, substance misuse, or physical health concerns.
“Where appropriate, we complete full homeless assessments and ensure that every individual has a clear pathway from the streets into longer‑term accommodation and support. We remain concerned about rough sleeping throughout the year, not only during periods of severe weather, which is why our team works persistently to identify and engage with people at risk.
“Our rough sleeper outreach team patrols known hotspots and follows up on all reported sites, operating early mornings and late at night across the city. They work closely with partner organisations to respond swiftly to concerns. During this cold spell, an officer is also on call throughout the night to respond to and support anyone sleeping rough who may not yet have accepted an offer of help.
“Residents can also report anyone they see sleeping rough to us, visit www.peterborough.gov.uk for details.”