Emergency support available as freezing weather hits

Tameside Council’s Rough Sleeping Team will be out across the borough this evening alongside partner organisations to locate and support anyone who may be sleeping rough, as temperatures continue to fall and pose a serious risk to life.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has now been activated. SWEP is an emergency response used during periods of extreme weather to ensure that people sleeping rough can access safe, short-term accommodation. It aims to prevent harm and save lives when cold conditions become dangerous.

Councillor Andrew McLaren, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth, Housing and Homelessness, emphasised the importance of the response, saying: “No one should have to sleep outside in any circumstance, but the freezing weather is particularly dangerous. Activating SWEP is about saving lives and showing compassion. Our outreach teams and partners will be out on the streets tonight to help people access emergency accommodation and we urge residents to report anyone they see sleeping rough so we can get them the help they need quickly.”

Residents are encouraged to act quickly if they are worried about someone sleeping rough in Tameside. Reports can be made through the following channels:

·       During office hours: Email the Rough Sleeping Outreach Team at roughsleepers@tameside.gov.uk

·       Out of hours: Call 0161 342 2222

·       Online: Submit an alert via StreetLink, which connects people sleeping rough with local outreach teams and emergency accommodation.

Further information can be found by visiting: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/homeless/rough

For anyone seeking warmth and community this winter, a list of free Warm Welcome Hubs across the borough is also available.