Dozens of homeless people in South Tyneside given emergency accommodation this winter

South Tyneside Council has confirmed that it is operating its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, known as SWEP, which offers accommodation to homeless people and those sleeping rough.

It says the system has been active since October 2020 and will remain in operation for the rest of the winter, regardless of whether temperatures dip below zero.

Since November, accommodation has been provided for 24 people, including 10 who were given shelter in the period between Christmas and New Year.

However the council says that some residents have refused accommodation when offered.

A South Tyneside Council spokeswoman said: “Our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol has been active from October and will remain active for the entire winter; we offer accommodation over this period, regardless of whether there are below-zero temperatures.

“For the period that the SWEP is operational, an emergency out-of-hours team is available to anyone found to be rough sleeping or presenting as homeless.

“Since November, we have provided accommodation to 24 residents, including 10 in the period 28-31 December, and there have also been a number of offers of accommodation which have been refused."

There are currently believed to be just two people living on the streets of South Tyneside, following efforts to provide extra support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerns had been raised for rough sleepers at South Shields seafront but Mark Walsh, South Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for housing and transport, has said that they have continued to turn down offers of accommodation.

South Tyneside Council is encouraging anyone needing accommodation or those who know of anyone sleeping rough to contact the authority on its free phone line for support.

A council spokeswoman said: “Anyone accommodated should present to the South Tyneside Homes’ Housing Options Team the next working day to allow an assessment of need to be carried out and more stable accommodation and support plan put in place.

“Council employees, partners and members of the public are encouraged to report anyone that they suspect is sleeping rough and the service will investigate.”

If you find yourself without accommodation or know of anyone sleeping rough, please contact freephone 0800 141 2645 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm and Fri 9am-4.30pm) or 0191 4562093 out of office hours.

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