As snow and ice is forecast to hit the city this weekend, a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been been activated, meaning emergency shelter and support is being offered to the most needy. Charity St Mungo’s, alongside Bristol City Council, is running their SWEP until Wednesday, January 8, to provide support and help to those most vulnerable in freezing temperatures.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow across Bristol. Forecasters predicts ‘heavy snow’ which may cause mass disruption. The weather warning is in place from midday on Saturday, January 4 until 9am Monday, January 6.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a yellow cold health alert for the South West. During the weather warning, there is an increased risk to life of vulnerable people.
There are a number of health risks when the temperatures drop during winter, including physical injuries from slips and falls due to ice. The longer our bodies are exposed to the cold, the more at risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and worsening arthritis we are, especially the elderly.
For anyone sleeping rough, several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer at the layers trap warm air. Eating regularly also helps to keep you warm, at least one hot meal a day along with regular hot drinks.
The SWEP will see an increased number of outreach and more accommodation made available for those in need helping people get off the streets during he extreme weather. As well as providing a safe and warm space for people to stay, St Mungo’s will also offer help and support for people to find secure long term accommodation.
The following advice has been issued to anyone who may need help during the cold weather:
- Dial 999 if someone needs emergency help
- Encourage anyone they see rough sleeping in Bristol to call 0117 4070330 to speak to the Outreach team. You may call on their behalf if they are not able to call themselves
- Remember that www.streetlink.org.uk is not an emergency service – St Mungo’s does not get the referrals immediately so it’s best to use 0117 4070330 when the severe weather response is activated, except in cases where 999 emergency services should be contacted
St Mungo’s has been battling homelessness across the UK for 55 years, helping those who sleep rough to move forward and get people off the streets. Other places the offer help include The Salvation Army, located in Bristol Citadel, which runs food banks and offers counselling and support for those most vulnerable.
Helping Bristol’s Homeless also work to support people by providing shelter, offering support for those living on the street and helping people move to independent living.