Severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP)

Anyone who becomes homeless outside office hours should contact the council's Emergency Duty Team on 01344 351999.

If you see a rough sleeper you can also call 0300 500 0914 or visit Streetlink giving the details of the rough sleeper and they will notify the relevant local authority.

Cold Weather Provision

An enhanced and comprehensive support system for vulnerable residents in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead has been announced to ensure these residents can access the services they need.

Throughout the winter period we will be putting in place a new, comprehensive Cold Weather Provision to provide a clear pathway from sleeping rough, to a shelter, to the council’s support services and into longer-term accommodation. 

The Cold Weather Provision is a coordinated, joined-up approach to ensure the Royal Borough, charity organisations and others are working together with the clear purpose of supporting vulnerable people sleeping rough into longer term solutions. 

Anyone sleeping rough in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead can benefit from the support being delivered through Cold Weather Provision. The provision in place exceeds the council’s statutory Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) duties and will include a commitment to ensure all rough sleepers are assessed by our experienced outreach team, within the initial 10 days of support being offered by any agency. SWEP is activated when temperature fall below zero for consecutive days. 

SWEP arrangements will be provided in the Royal Borough and we will be working with homeless charities and other partner organisations to make sure that all rough sleepers know about the provision and are aware of how to access it.