AN emergency plan to support rough sleepers in severe cold weather has been triggered.

Colchester Council prepares a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) every year, when the temperature is below three degrees for at least three nights.

Now a new approach is being taken to make sure no rough sleeper is left out in the cold.

Karen Loweman, director of housing at Colchester Borough Homes, said SWEP will remain in place until the weather improves.

She said: “The severe weather provision is not a venue, it is a process whereby we provide accommodation for people who are rough sleeping.

“In Colchester this year, we have supported a number of rough sleepers into accommodation. Our key aim is to support people with longer-term solutions.”

Rough sleepers with more complex issues will be seen by outreach workers who will help them find a place to stay or the support they need.

Karen added: “We work with Emmaus, Open Road, Colchester Night Shelter, YMCA, Beacon House and Colchester Rough Sleepers Group.

“Whilst SWEP is in place, we have some additional flexible accommodation where people can come in from the cold and, we hope, engage with support.

“This year we have not had accommodation available people can self-refer into.

“All referrals for accommodation are assessed initially by the outreach team. This is important to reduce risk and ensure accommodation is appropriate.

“By getting to understand individuals, the outreach work can begin to solve the issues that caused their homelessness and put in place plans to help.”

Colchester Rough Sleepers Group’s homeless bus should also be open in a few weeks to offer extra support.

Vic Flores, from the rough sleepers group, said: “It would be another eight beds straight away which would be really valuable to the community.”

The number of rough sleepers in Colchester varies between 12 and 20. Anyone concerned about rough sleepers should contact Street Link via the app, or call 999.