Newark and Sherwood District Council scheme offers rough sleepers accommodation if weather makes turn for the worst

With temperatures dropping and weather becoming more hazardous, Newark and Sherwood District Council has plans in place to ensure all rough sleepers have access to accommodation when the weather turns for the worst.

It says it remains committed to helping all residents with emergency housing provision, if the weather dictates it, and is encouraging anyone who spots somebody sleeping in a doorway, under a bridge, or anywhere in the district to call 01636 650000.

Teams from the council will deal with it immediately and try their best to track them down.

It has also set up plans for the Severe Weather Emergency Provision Plus scheme, which will ensure emergency provision is available to those who are rough sleeping or homeless when the overnight temperature is forecast to zero or below for three consecutive nights.

Officers will be monitoring the Met Office five-day forecast on a daily basis to ensure they are aware of any upcoming cold snaps or extreme weather conditions with Met Office warnings.

If the provision is to be activated the team will notify partners and relevant agencies as soon as possible to start rolling out the service.

The plus element of the provision may activate if Met Office predictions are expecting extreme weather, even though the actual temperature is above zero but may still have substantial impact on the individual, such as persistent rain for a prolonged period.

The council deals with fewer rough sleepers compared to other districts, but says those that they know about are being supported.

Council leader David Lloyd said: “Thankfully, we know that rough sleeping is not prolific in our district. We are aware of five residents being affected however, this scheme will ensure that rough sleepers receive support when they need it most.

“Support is on offer for those that want it and we are working closely with partners and voluntary groups to offer hot food, clothing and accommodation so people don’t have to combat the harsh weather alone.

“I am aware that many of you are concerned about rough sleepers, but rest assured the help is there, and has been offered to all those we know about. We will continue to monitor our streets but if you do come across anyone rough sleeping, please report this to us so we can get our and offer them the support they need.”

The Street Outreach teams working in Newark and Sherwood are working in the early hours of the morning to find people who need help by building relationships with them and ultimately getting them off the streets and towards safety.

Albert Street Baptist Church in Newark has also reopened it services recently and is offering those in need hot food and clothing. Unfortunately, this year they won’t be able to provide accommodation due to covid-19 restrictions at their current facility.