Over 80 people helped off the streets during the recent freezing weather

More than 80 people sleeping rough were helped off the streets during the recent freezing weather.

Thirty three remain in longer-term accommodation.

The figures have been revealed by BCP Council which provided emergency support, together with homeless charity, St Mungo’s, under the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol or SWEP.

SWEP is activated when there is a real risk of loss of life due to weather conditions.

It must be applied when the night-time temperature is predicted to be zero degrees Celsius or below for three consecutive nights according to the Met Office weather forecast.

So far this winter, SWEP has been activated four times, the latest from January 13 to 20.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services said: “SWEP activations in January helped to bring people who would otherwise have been rough sleeping into safe accommodation during the extreme winter weather.

“I would like to express my huge gratitude to St Mungo’s and our other partners for the high level of care, expertise, and hard work provided during this time.

“They have protected many members of our community who currently find themselves without a home.

“The thing that has stuck out most for me is the individual cases and the people we have managed to move into more permanent accommodation.”

Sara Turner, Senior Services Manager, St Mungo’s, said: “The success of this SWEP is attributed to several factors but not least the dedication and commitment shown by all involved, working round the clock, to provide this life saving provision to those experiencing rough sleeping.

“St Mungo’s worked in partnership with the council and other key agencies to deliver a coordinated, safe and effective response to the severe weather warning.

“The sole aim was to keep people safe, building rapport, starting to gain trust and where possible, providing creative solutions to future housing and support.

“It is one of the hardest things I have had the privilege to lead on, yet at the same time, one of the most humbling and rewarding.”