News / Homeless
Emergency beds for Bristol’s homeless as temperatures plummet
Bristol’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) for rough sleepers has been triggered, as temperatures fall to below zero.
This means at least 69 extra emergency bed spaces are available for homeless people, as outreach teams comb the streets in a bid to ensure no one is left to suffer in the freezing conditions outside.
SWEP was activated on Wednesday and is expected to stay in play until at least the end of the week.
is needed now More than ever
David Ingerslev, senior service manager of rough sleeping services at St Mungo’s said: “Our teams are working every hour of the day to get people safely indoors. Getting to people quickly really is a matter of life and death.
“Rough sleeping is incredibly dangerous and, each year, more lives are tragically lost on our streets. Freezing temperatures only exacerbate this problem for people who are often already struggling with their physical and mental health.
“But for many people we meet this winter, coming into our shelters could also be a step towards more settled accommodation for the future.”
Outreach teams will be combing the streets to help people move in from the cold
The emergency beds available are in addition to the 95 night shelter spaces in Bristol.
Ingerslev added: “We know the public shares our concern. If you are worried about someone sleeping rough, please visit streetlink.org.uk to connect them with their vital services as soon as possible.”
For more advice and information, visit: www.bristolhomelessconnect.com. If you have concerns about anyone sleeping rough, contact Street Link on 0300 500 0914.
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