To protect individuals experiencing homelessness during periods of severe weather conditions, housing authorities must provide facilities for rough sleepers. This is our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)
If you are homeless you can contact our team on 0800 011 6511
The definition of homelessness
You don't have to be sleeping on the streets or not have a roof over your head to be thought of as homeless. Most people who are legally homeless are not on the streets. The Council has a duty to work with you to try and prevent or relieve your homelessness.
Circumstances when this may happen include:
- You are at risk of violence or abuse where you are living. This can be from a partner, ex-partner or family member, or someone in your area. The council may ask you to provide details of the incidents. Evidence is helpful but the council will not turn you away if you haven’t reported incidents to the police
- You don't have 'a roof over your head' i.e. you are street homeless
- You are at risk of losing your home;
- You can't afford to stay where you are;
- You are staying with friends or 'sofa surfing';
- You have been locked out or illegally evicted;
- Your accommodation is in very poor condition;
- You can't live together with your partner or close family; and
- You have nowhere to put a mobile home, such as a caravan.
If one or more of these apply, you may be eligible for help from the council.
Rough Sleepers
We are committed to ending rough sleeping in North Tyneside. If you see a rough sleeper, please tell us as soon as possible.
You can report a rough sleeper to Homeless Prevention on 0800 011 6511 (free phone number) or during office hours on 0191 6432520. You can also email homeless.prevention@northtyneside.gov.uk or use Streetlink.
Our team will work with the rough sleeper to find permanent accommodation.
Many rough sleepers have complex needs and may take some time before they accept help.
Please do not wake a rough sleeper, and do not give them money. Only offer food, drink or clothing.
Homelessness during severe weather
Our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)
Who are rough sleepers?
Rough sleepers are:
- People sleeping in the open air.
- People about to bed down. (sitting on/in or standing next to their bedding) in the open air.
- People actually bedded down. (on the streets, in tents, doorways, parks, bus shelters or encampments).
- People in buildings or other places not designed for living in. (such as sheds, cars, stairwells, barns, car parks, derelict boats, and so on).
Who are not rough sleepers?
Rough sleepers are not:
- People in hostels or shelters.
- People in campsites or other sites used for recreational purposes.
- People in organised protest, squatters or travellers.
When does the SWEP come into place?
SWEP is active between 1 November and 31 March. Where night-time temperatures are zero degrees or below for three consecutive nights.
Who keeps a check on the temperature?
Our team will check the temperature twice a day using metoffice.gov.uk
Does this apply to all rough sleepers?
No, there are exceptions. When mental health services, police, and probation workers assess people as high risk they are not placed in B&B's. A high risk person is aggressive, violent or threatening violence. In these circumstances, we will discuss it with our Housing Services Manager and record the details.
What happens if someone doesn't want emergency accommodation?
We will also record when a person refuses emergency accommodation. In all cases, we will offer advice and help. Our aim is to facilitating a longer term outcome.
How often is the SWEP reviewed?
We review the SWEP annually.