Severe Weather Emergency Provision activated in Watford

Watford is experiencing a cold spell and so with temperatures currently dropping below 0 degrees, Watford Borough Council has activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and New Hope is providing additional temporary shelter for people facing rough sleeping.

Plus, the Watford Winter Shelter opens tomorrow night, 1 December, and will run until the end of March, providing a hot meal and a safe place to stay for up to 15 people.

Deputy CEO and Head of Services at New Hope, Rob Edmonds, said: “New Hope services will help with people’s immediate needs, but also allows us to keep people safe until plans can be put in place to try and prevent people from returning to rough sleeping.”

If you do see someone sleeping rough, please call New Hope’s 24/7 helpline 0300 012 0168 or report their position with the Streetlink app on your mobile phone. You can also find out more at www.newhope.org.uk/wintershelter