See our Christmas closure information for our opening times and more over the festive period.

SWEP Activated – Support for People Sleeping Rough During Hot Weather

Castle Point Borough Council's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated to help protect people who are sleeping rough during the current period of extreme heat.

SWEP is an emergency response that provides additional support to vulnerable individuals when severe weather conditions pose a risk to health and wellbeing. While often associated with cold weather, SWEP can also be activated during periods of exceptionally high temperatures.

Working closely with CHESS Homeless, a local charity supporting adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Essex, and local outreach services, the Council is taking steps to ensure rough sleepers receive appropriate support and welfare assistance during this hot weather period.

Outreach teams will be carrying out welfare checks and distributing heat packs, including bottled water and other essential items, to help people sleeping rough stay safe, cool, and hydrated.

If you see someone sleeping rough in Castle Point and are concerned about their welfare, please make a referral through StreetLink.

Find out more about how to stay safe in hot weather

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days, it is very important to seek advice as soon as possible. You should complete the enquiry form (below). On completion of the form our Housing Options Team will contact you within 5 working days.

For out of hours emergencies call 0800 833 162.

Preventing homelessness

The Homelessness Reduction Act came into force on 3rd April 2018. This means we have a statutory duty to prevent homelessness where we can by offering a range of services to help you to stay in your current home, including help with mortgage advice, tenancy matters or relationship breakdown. If staying in your current home isn't an option, we can help you find alternatives.

 

Housing Options Assessment Form