Bramwell House in Blackburn activates cold weather provision

The Salvation Army mobilises to support rough sleepers as Lancashire hit by cold weather blast.

The Salvation Army’s Lifehouse, Bramwell House, in Blackburn, is ready to support rough sleepers affected by the drop in temperature as part of its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) provision. 

The Lifehouse (hostel) will offer emergency shelter to anyone sleeping rough in the area, working in association with the housing needs team at Blackburn with Darwen Council. 

SWEP ensures that vulnerable people are protected and provided with shelter during severe weather and has been activated within the borough since the start of November and comes just in time for the cold weather sweeping the region. 

Colin Mottershead, service manager at Bramwell House said: “We’ve opened our doors for a number of years now to welcome people in from the cold and often extreme weather that hits in winter and we’re only too pleased to offer the service again and engage with those in danger within the area, supporting the fight against homelessness. 

“Nobody should have to sleep rough and the cold temperatures have exposed how hard life can be on the streets. Extreme weather can kill and it’s critical that local organisations work together to support the most vulnerable members of our community, getting them safely indoors.”

Bramwell House has overnight provision for up to six rough sleepers and will provide an evening meal as well as breakfast the next morning. The Salvation Army will also offer support to those that are brought into the Lifehouse through SWEP with signposting and ongoing support where needed.

Colin added: “We will also offer continued support and work with individuals to prevent them having to go back out onto the streets. Rough sleeping is dangerous, but it can be a matter of life and death when the weather takes a severe turn.”

As part of The Salvation Army’s offering in Blackburn, Phoenix Hub, a drop-in day centre for people in times of crisis, located on Clayton Street, offers clients access to a hot breakfast served every day until 11:00 am, showering facilities, a clothing bank, washing machine and drier, emergency food parcels and a warm and safe space.

Weather warnings remain in place over the weekend across Lancashire and concerned members of the community are advised to contact their local Street Link service providing details of where they have spotted someone in need so an outreach worker can be assigned. www.streetlink.org.uk or 0300 500 0914.