Jane, who manages the Somewhere to Go Drop-in service at Alabaré Place, has witnessed a significant increase in the number of street homeless individuals coming to the drop-in, which operates from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., five days a week.
She is deeply worried about the coming week, as the forecast predicts a severe drop in temperatures, making conditions even more perilous for those forced to sleep outdoors. Jane knows that with the onset of the cold, these vulnerable people will face even greater challenges to survive. The situation could trigger the local authority to activate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) on Wednesday. If SWEP is put into action, all rough sleepers must be offered emergency accommodation to prevent harm or even the loss of life.
If this happens, Alabaré Place will quickly transform into a rough sleeper dormitory, doing everything possible to provide warmth and shelter to as many individuals as space allows. Jane and her team are committed to doing their utmost to keep people safe and protected during this harsh weather.
On Tuesday night Jane will also be joining the Rough Sleeper Team from Wiltshire Council for the annual rough sleeper survey. This annual rough sleeping snapshot forms the government’s estimate for how many people are rough sleeping on a given autumn night. In 2023, it showed 3,898 people were sleeping rough across England, an increase of 27% on the previous year. It maybe some weeks until we know the result of this years survey.
