Rough sleepers supported as Storm Eunice hits Lancashire

published on 18 Feb 2022

The Salvation Army mobilises to support rough sleepers as Storm Eunice hits Lancashire.

The Salvation Army’s Lifehouse, Bramwell House, in Blackburn, is ready to support rough sleepers affected by Storm Eunice 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 referrals from the housing needs team at Blackburn with Darwen Council as the town grapples with the effects of the storm.

Nobody should have to sleep rough and Storm Eunice has 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."
Colin Mottershead, service manager at Bramwell House

SWEP ensures that vulnerable people are protected and provided with shelter during severe weather and has been activated within the borough since winter 2021.

Colin Mottershead, service manager at Bramwell House said: “We’re only too pleased to open our doors and engage with those in danger within the area, supporting the fight against homelessness.

“Nobody should have to sleep rough and Storm Eunice has 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 and covid protocols are in place, to protect current residents and staff, with lateral flow tests provided.

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.”

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.

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