Published: Friday, 1st December 2023
Cannock Chase Council has invoked its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) following two consecutive days/nights where the temperature has been recorded at 0 degrees centigrade or below.
SWEP will see continued attempts by officers from the Council’s Housing Options team and outreach workers from its commissioned rough sleeper service, Spring Housing, to engage with those most vulnerable within the community. The Council will offer and arrange off street accommodation for the duration of this severe weather period.
Beyond this seasonal response, the Housing Options team, Spring Housing and the Council’s Community Safety team all work in partnership daily to engage with rough sleepers, to accept offers of accommodation and other bespoke support they may need. Ensuring the provision of the wrap around care is essential to safeguarding these vulnerable individuals.
Jeanette Donnelly, Housing Options and Homelessness Team Leader, said: “We never give up on these individuals, we recognise that they may have multiple needs and often come from difficult backgrounds. Not feeling able to take an offer of accommodation can be entrenched within them.
“Through our partnership with Spring Housing we maintain our outreach work and communication throughout the year with rough sleepers and we continue our efforts to engage with them to accept off-street accommodation and the opportunity to rebuild their lives”.
Councillor Jo Elson, Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing, said: “We are concerned about the wellbeing of all our residents, especially those we recognise as vulnerable. We work closely with our partners during cold weather, and throughout the year, to provide the best levels of support available to those who need it”.