The SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) and winter provision toolkit, updated for 2023, is published today. This guidance is particularly important for local authorities, service providers, and faith and community groups, to ensure that planning for this winter is in line with recent updates from Government and good practice. The toolkit provides a helpful checklist for those planning SWEP and winter provision, as well as in-depth guidance and case studies to support service delivery.
Homeless Link’s strong preference is that accommodation models this winter should be single occupancy rooms where possible. However, we know that for many reasons, that may be difficult this year, so we are encouraging all services to link in with their public health lead and support people to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu. Homelessness services should support eligible individuals to book their flu and Covid-19 vaccines online via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free.