Emergency help for rough sleepers in Northampton as temperatures drop

Northampton Borough Council is supporting Northampton Association for the Accommodation of the Single Homeless (NAASH) and the Hope Centre in protecting vulnerable people and keeping them safe during spells of severe weather.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) project was activated last week. It is a partnership agreement between Northampton Borough Council, NAASH and the Hope Centre to provide a warm place for rough sleepers to spend the night when the temperature falls below freezing (zero degrees) for three consecutive nights.

SWEP is expected to run through to the evening of Wednesday, January 20, into Thursday morning. On Thursday night 21 people used the service, 15 on Friday night, 14 on Saturday night, 12 on Sunday night, and 15 on Monday night.

People who are sleeping rough should attend Oasis House during the daytime for an assessment. Shelter will be provided in the Hope Centre at Oasis House between 10pm at night and 7am the next morning, including bedding and food to support them through the cold weather.

When the weather improves, help will continue to be provided to those people to find homes or other assistance they need.

Councillor Stephen Hibbert, Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Working with our partners we will be offering rough sleepers a chance to get the help they need. When temperatures are set to drop below freezing we will be making sure that everyone has the chance to keep warm, eat a good meal and stay safe at night. It is also an opportunity for us to show what support is available and how we can help people to get back on their feet.”

Anyone who knows or sees anyone who could benefit from the SWEP project, please contact NAASH on 0845 206 8646.