Lincolnshire YMCA offer additional beds as temperatures plummet
It's part of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)
The YMCA in Lincolnshire will be offering additional beds as temperatures drop below freezing.
They've helping the local authorities severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP).
SWEP is a voluntary process that is put in place by district housing authorities to ensure that people sleeping rough are not at risk of harm or, in the worst case, of dying during periods of extreme cold or severe weather.
Helen Wright from Lincs YMCA told us anyone who stays will also have support from their local case workers:
We also work very closely with the Lincolnshire recovery pertnership who are based in Lincoln and will offer the level of service that will help people overcome drug or alcohol addictions. This service is available 365 days a year and isn't just available through SWEP it's available all of the time.
The city council took to social media earlier this week to activate the protocol:
As the temperature is forecast to fall to 0°C or lower overnight, our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated.
During SWEP, anyone who is verified as homeless will be offered temporary accommodation.
Helen also told us people can help by calling the local authority if they see someone who may need additional support:
"The people along the high street in Lincoln, we are aware of those people, but if they are out maybe on the south common, the west common maybe living in a shed or a garage, you can give the local authority a call so they can be aware of where that person is."
If you see someone sleeping rough or have any concerns you can call 01522 873777 or email [email protected].