Brighton’s winter homeless shelter to open at weekends

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, known as SWEP is triggered when there are severe weather warnings and the temperature drops to a “feels like” freezing level.

The open drop in service for up to 35 rough sleepers is currently operating out of Brighton Town Hall in Bartholomew Square, until a more suitable venue is found.

By opening at weekends, Brighton and Hove City Council would provide a service to fill gaps when day centres are not open.

It is one of a number of council-run services for rough sleepers ranging from the No Second Night Out Hub to the year-round night shelter.

Executive director for health and adult social care Rob Pursey told members opening at weekends will help the authority in its work to build relationships and support for rough sleepers.

Council leader, Labour councillor Nancy Platts said the move would help get rough sleepers on a path to secure living.

She said: “Our ultimate ambition is to have no one sleeping rough on the streets.

“At weekends there is no daytime provision, so people are our for 48 hours or more without being able to go indoors.”

She thanked officers for working on setting up the changes and the volunteers for staffing the service.

Green councillor David Gibson was positive about the open access nature of SWEP as he hoped it would help council support services to work with rough sleepers to help them off the streets.