Drop in becomes cool hub for homeless community during heatwave

The Salvation Army opens its doors and provides water to street homeless as temperatures set to soar

The Salvation Army is helping members of the community that are street homeless get through the soaring temperatures as Lancashire is set to bask in a heat wave. 

As temperatures rise, the church and charity’s Lifehouse (hostel) Bramwell House, located on Heaton Street, has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) provision which works in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and gives an extra avenue of support to the most vulnerable members of the local community.

Triggered during extreme weather temperatures, SWEP is a system that local authorities use to provide emergency shelter for people forced to sleep on the streets to prevent death or serious harm. Bramwell House will be opening its doors and offering a safe space with drinking water and showers available in a bid for people that are street homeless to escape the hot weather that is set to reach up to 27 degrees Celsius in parts of Lancashire over the coming days. 

Colin Mottershead, service manager of The Salvation Army’s Bramwell House said: “With temperatures rising, living on the streets with no escape or shelter from the extreme heat can be dangerous, and at times, life threatening. 

“Whilst everyone else is enjoying the sunny weather we will be offering a space for people to come into and stay cool and hydrated enjoying cold refreshments and a listening ear if they wish. For us, it's about providing a friendly and welcoming space protecting all vulnerable people that live within our community.”

For anyone looking to support the work of The Salvation Army during the hot weather, bottles of water can be donated to Bramwell House and for people not able to physically support, financial donations can be made at www.salvationarmy.org.uk/donate.