• The Greater London Authority has triggered a severe weather response for rough sleepers, as temperatures have hit zero degrees or below
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has agreed with London councils, including Newham, that severe weather shelters will now open London-wide if the temperature is predicted to drop to zero or below anywhere in the capital.
When the SWEP is declared Newham operates a programme to provide emergency accommodation alongside enhanced outreach work to identify and assist rough sleepers. We are targeting all known individuals.
For more information about SWEP, or if you want information about what to do if you are concerned about people you see rough sleeping in Newham, please visit the website by searching: Concerned about someone who is rough sleeping – Homelessness prevention and advice – Newham Council.
If Newham residents see someone who is already known to services sleeping rough, and are concerned for their immediate health, please call 999. To report a rough sleeper who needs support contact StreetLink on: 0300 500 0914; or visit: www.thestreetlink.org.uk. If you feel comfortable to speak to the individual, please do encourage them to ring Streetlink themselves using 0300 500 0914 between 9am – 9pm. All self-referrals will be contacted within four hours. The phone line is open every day. If the person needs urgent medical attention or you believe they are under 18 years of age, please call 999.
The activation of SWEP ensures that councils across London (alongside homelessness charities) open additional emergency accommodation for people who are sleeping rough during weather conditions that could pose a threat to life.
To help address the cost of living crisis, the Council’s libraries are acting as Warm Havens, offering spaces for those struggling with heating costs. Residents can enjoy a warm, welcoming space to escape the cold, with access to hot drinks, public computers and free activities. You can find more information here.
For more advice on staying well and keeping warm visit www.newham.gov.uk/health-adult-social-care/staying-well-winter and www.wellnewham.org.uk/advice/winter-wellness.
You can find more information via our helpful rough sleeping FAQs.
What we do in icy weather
Find out about how we help keep roads safe in winter on our road gritting page.
Winter weather advice
Met Office advice on getting ready for winter including looking after your health, protecting your home and precautions to take when travelling during the winter.
Heavy rain and flooding
Get advice on what to do during a flood
Severe weather advice
Severe Weather advice from the Met Office
For more information on how to stay well this winter, visit www.wellnewham.org.uk/advice/winter-wellness.
