Charity supports rough sleepers during heatwave

BCP Council told the Daily Echo earlier this week, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) would not be activated during the heatwave.

Now, they have said they will be implementing the measure.

The council say it was in fact triggered on Monday.

Councillor Karen Rampton, portfolio holder for People and Homes, said: “BCP Council has been closely monitoring the ongoing hot weather situation throughout this week and will continue to do so.

"SWEP has been triggered, with our existing arrangements having been reviewed and measures stepped up.

"Throughout the past week, our outreach team, St Mungo’s, have been implementing these emergency measures with more frequent welfare checks on everyone including provision of water, location of refill stations, sun cream and hats and identifying shady areas as well as offering advice to keeping safe during the hot spell.

"Accommodation offers have been reviewed for everyone and some have already accepted emergency accommodation if particularly vulnerable irrespective of circumstance and eligibility to public funds.

"Accommodation is not necessarily the solution to save lives during the day when temperatures are more severe like when we have very cold weather.

"We have been working in partnership with colleagues in the health sector and it has been agreed with health colleagues to avoid discharging people from hospital onto the streets if vulnerable.”

Local charities are stepping up their efforts to ensure rough sleepers have everything they need to stay cool in the predicted forecast high temperatures.

A Poole charity, have been handing out essentials as they fear there is a "severe risk of dehydration and heatstroke".

A spokesperson for Routes to Roots said: "Whilst the temperatures continue to rise we'll be handing out packs to rough sleepers including bottled water, suntan lotion and wipes."

READ MORE: What Dorset’s weather experts are saying about heatwave

Routes to Roots handing out essentials to rough sleepers during heatwave

Kate Mellor from Routes to Roots said: "There is a severe risk of dehydration and heatstroke for those in our community who cannot easily access tap water and shade."

READ MORE: Heatwave: amber weather warning for three days for BCP

Hope for Food also has been helping supply rough sleepers with essentials during the heatwave.

Brian Sutherns, a trustee for Hope for Food said: "First and foremost if any member of the public is concerned about anyone that is sleeping rough, they can report their concerns via Streetlink. This will connect rough sleepers with local services that are set up to provide the support needed to ensure that the person is safe.

"Hope for Food works alongside many other local charities is providing daily community meals where the homeless are able to access hot meals and drinks as well as sun-cream, clothes and sleeping bags to get them through their day and night."

EDIT: This article has been update following new information from BCP Council.