Impact of Freezing Temperatures on Rough Sleepers

As freezing temperatures take hold, charitable organizations’ warm spaces are offering vital support to rough sleepers found “shaking” in the snow. Community centers and churches are providing accommodation for homeless individuals following the activation of a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in Bristol and Somerset. “It’s wet, it’s cold,” stated Link, who has resided in a tent at Bristol’s Bearpit for seven years. He added, “I’ve had mates die of exposure, from just not having enough blankets.” “My feet are turning to ice and I can’t feel them,” reported Geordie, who also sleeps in the Bearpit. SWEP is a framework established by councils and charities to deliver emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather conditions. “A particular risk factor on this activation was significant snowfall and sleet,” explained David Ingerslev from the homelessness charity St Mungos. He continued, “So the potential is, if it’s sub-zero, that people can get wet and stuff can become icy. “That’s a particular risk then of body temperatures dropping and it’s a risk to life.” Link, a former head chef, has been allocated a room at a local Methodist Church during the cold weather. He recounted, “They give me a room with my dog, cups of tea, brekkie, dinner, everything when I got there.” Link further stated, “Gave me a book to read, charge my phone, the whole shebang.” However, Link’s friend Geordie remains sleeping at the Bearpit. Link added, “I met him at 8 o’clock, it took until 12 o’clock for his hands to stop shaking.” Meanwhile, in neighboring Somerset, the county features approximately 50 venues that are providing warm spaces for rough sleepers. One charity in the area has secured funding from the council to continue its ‘Warm Welcome’ initiative. Jenny Hannis from Spark Somerset commented, “We know winter is coming, the cost of living crisis is increasingly apparent, people are really struggling.” She further explained, “Winter fuel payments have been reduced as well, so we know that within our communities there are many people out there that just need a little bit of support, a place to go.” Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.