Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, or SWEP, is a city-wide response to ensure the physical safety of people who are sleeping rough during especially cold or otherwise dangerous weather. When SWEP is in effect, people who are rough sleeping will be allocated a shared overnight space in services and accommodation across the city.

SWEP is activated in Bristol when there is a severe weather event predicted, for example, when the MET Office predicts temperatures will fall below zero for three consecutive days. Other factors that may be considered include rain, snow, wind chill, and exceptional weather like extreme wind, rain, and flooding. The service is commissioned by Bristol City Council.

What happens during active SWEP periods

When active, anyone who is currently sleeping rough in Bristol will be able to access emergency shelter. When SWEP is activated, we advise everyone to phone the St Mungo's Street Outreach Team on 0117 4070330 to direct them to someone sleeping rough. We join them in asking that you support people sleeping rough to call the Street Outreach Team where possible.

St Mungo's teams are out on the street covering extra shifts during active SWEP periods to offer shelter and support to anyone found rough sleeping. A reminder that StreetLink is not an emergency service and if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

What our volunteers do

During SWEP, Caring in Bristol volunteers are on the ground, setting up temporary shelters at several locations in the city. They help to set up beds, welcome people who are rough sleepers and ensure that they are comfortable. They also assist the agency workers, familiarising them with the particular venue, completing paperwork, safety handovers, and other procedures involved in the effective and safe running of the shelters. They are also there to assist the shelter guests with any queries and concerns. Working as part of a team, our volunteers are on call and ready to step into their roles at short notice when SWEP is activated. They spring into action in the afternoons and evening to support the set up before the agency workers take over for the night.

Volunteer with Caring in Bristol

When they arise, opportunities in our SWEP volunteer team will be posted on Assemble, our volunteer portal. You can find out about and apply for all current volunteering roles here too. Visit our volunteering section to find out more.