Support for rough sleepers has been activated across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole following the first snowfall of the winter.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) provides emergency shelter to anyone sleeping rough.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council working with homeless charity St Mungo’s will be finding anyone who is sleeping rough and encourage them to take up the offer of emergency accommodation.

With the Met Office predicting a prolonged period of cold weather, with the temperature forecast to be zero degrees or only slightly above across the BCP area for the next few days, SWEP is expected to last four nights and will be monitored as needed.

The council’s Highways Maintenance Team are also ready to respond to these cold temperatures, with our gritters expected to deploy across the area if required during this period.

Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture said:

“With SWEP being activated this morning, our teams will be doing extra outreach shifts throughout SWEP, looking for people who are sleeping rough and offering them somewhere warm to stay for the next few days.

“If any residents are concerned about someone who is sleeping rough during this period, please do call the relevant number and report them, and our teams will go and find them and encourage them inside.”

Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy said:

“Our gritters are ready and will be out gritting the main routes as needed over the next few days.

“As always in very cold conditions, please only travel if necessary and plan any journeys ahead of time, with plenty of supplies and warm clothing if you get stuck in any settled snow. Also check in with any vulnerable or elderly neighbours to ensure they’re safe and keeping warm.”

If anyone is concerned about someone sleeping rough during this period of cold weather, please ring 01202 315962 or email B&Pstreetoutreach@mungos.org