Hot Weather SWEP
Following a review of the weather forecast and due to the UK HSA having updated the weather alert from Amber to Red due to an upcoming Heatwave, the decision has been taken to activate Hot weather SWEP.
A Heatwave is defined by the Met Office as an uninterrupted period of exceptionally high temperatures for at least three consecutive days – and for the South West this is above 25 C. People sleeping rough may find it difficult to source drinking water and sun protection during very high temperatures and will face increasing risks around dehydration, sunburn and sunstroke. In this situation the need for shelter is likely be more urgent during daylight hours and a different approach to SWEP will be required.
Starting today (23/06/2026) Cornwall Council Outreach and Resettlement teams will be proactively supporting anybody identified as sleeping rough by providing them with suncream and bottled water. Advice will be provided to around the risk of staying out in the Sun for prolonged periods of time and also where to go in their local area to seek shelter from the heat.
Coastline Housing’s Crisis accommodation provision, Chi Winder will also be allowing access throughout the daytime to anybody seeking to get out of the Sun through the use of it’s Daycentre space.
Please note: Hot weather SWEP does not include an offer of overnight accommodation.
If you have any queries relating to this SWEP activation please do not hesitate to contact Cornwall Council’s Rough Sleeping Access Service Manager [email protected].