Emergency cold weather support available to rough sleepers

Fenland District Council offers constant support to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping. As a result, rough sleeping is very rare in the district but there are a small number of people known to sleep out currently.

Cllr Sam Hoy, Fenland’s portfolio holder for Housing, said: “We’re always monitoring, reaching out to and supporting people who face homelessness.

“Fortunately, we can prevent the vast majority of people from ever having to sleep rough.

“In the case of every individual known to us that is sleeping rough we consistently work with them to offer alternatives and want to reassure them and the public that in extreme weather conditions, such as the current cold spell, they need not sleep outside.

“We’d urge anyone who is rough sleeping, or is concerned about someone who is, to let us know so that we can offer help.”

The council works in partnership with Amicus Trust, Change Grow Live, Clarion Housing, Ferry Project, Cambridgeshire County Council and other partners to provide support.

More than 150 rough sleepers have been supported into accommodation since 2020.

Additional emergency support is provided in extreme weather conditions due to the council’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP). When the SWEP is in operation rough sleepers or anyone who is concerned for a rough sleeper can call for emergency support and they will be offered a bed for the night. SWEP has been in operation since Monday, November 27 and will continue until at least Monday, December 11.

It'll continue or launch again in other extreme weather events.

If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, or are sleeping rough yourself, please:

· Visit www.thestreetlink.org.uk

· Or call 01354 654321 – please be persistent if your call is unable to be answered immediately.