ROUGH sleepers in Somerset are being offered support during soaring temperatures across the county.

Somerset Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is active, as temperatures are forecast to reach above 26C – up to 33C forecast by the Met Office – with a heat alert in place over the coming days.

In severe weather conditions, such as temperatures rising above 26C or below 0C, the council’s outreach teams contact rough sleepers in Somerset to offer support.

Somerset Council teams will be increasing welfare checks and offering:

• Drinking water to stay hydrated
• Sunscreen and sun hats to reduce exposure
• Signposting and support to access cool, safe spaces during the hottest parts of the day
• Trained staff who can recognise and respond to signs of heat-related illness

The SWEP aims to ensure no one dies on Somerset streets due to severe weather and to ensure “every effort is made to engage individuals with support”.

A Somerset Council spokesperson urged anyone concerned that someone is rough sleeping during the severe weather to visit the StreetLink website to refer them, at thestreetlink.org.uk.

People can also call 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours.

More information on the SWEP can also be found on the council’s emergency help in severe weather page, at somerset.gov.uk/housing-support/homelessness-and-prevention/emergency-accommodation-in-severe-weather.

For more about rough sleeping and the support available, visit somerset.gov.uk/housing-support/homelessness-and-prevention/help-for-people-who-are-rough-sleeping.

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