SWEP over the New Year

Update: SWEP was deactivated on Tuesday 6th January.

While many people were able to rest and spend time with loved ones, our volunteers continued to work tirelessly throughout the festive period to ensure people experiencing homelessness were supported. We remained open for our 12 overnight guests, and our partners, Caring in Bristol, successfully ran another year of their day shelter so that no one was left without care during this important time.

Instead of a well-deserved break, the recent freezing conditions meant SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) was activated. SWEP is put in place when severe weather is forecast, allowing emergency accommodation to be offered to anyone sleeping rough. These conditions can be extremely dangerous - and even deadly - for people on the streets.

Since New Years Day, our Vice Chair, Dush, has been working alongside agency staff to keep our shelter open, ensuring our 12 overnight guests have been able to stay off the streets. SWEP will remain active until the morning of Tuesday 6th January 2026. Please advise anyone sleeping rough in the Bristol local authority area to contact the Outreach Team directly on 0117 407 0330 to access emergency shelter.

For evening support, we’re pleased to share that tomorrow we reopen to ALL guests and return to our normal operating hours of 8:00–9:30pm.

Please help us spread the word and keep those most vulnerable in our community safe.

Being cold and wet can be deadly.