A NEW overnight shelter has now opened in Great Malvern for rough sleepers to access emergency accommodation during periods of weather that present a risk to life.
The Lyttelton Well on Church Street will be available whenever the council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated.
This happens when the temperature falls below zero degrees in any Worcestershire district overnight.
When activated, rough sleepers and homeless individuals will be able to access the site to shelter from the weather from 9pm to 9am.
They will be greeted with a hot drink and a safe place to sleep and keep their belongings. There will also be advice, information, guidance and support.
Malvern Hills District Council is working with Caring for Communities and People (CCP) and Churches Together to provide the service.
CCP is a charity committed to preventing the causes, and reducing the impacts of homelessness, family breakdown and social isolation.
The charity has been running night shelters in Worcestershire since 2016. It currently operates shelters at Hope Church in Worcester, All Saints Church in Evesham, and Auxerre House in Redditch.
Redditch’s shelter is due to move to Gospel Hall, Foxlydiate in the future. CCP had a previous shelter at Salvation Army in Malvern which closed in 2019.
The charity has continued to provide rough sleepers in the area with accommodation and transport to and from their nearest shelter.
During November, December and January, SWEP was called on 27 nights, including 12 nights in a row during the most recent gruelling cold snap.
Dave Hopkins, CCP’s SWEP Coordinator, said: ‘We have been seeking a venue in Malvern for two years to host SWEP and are delighted to have partnered with Churches Together in Malvern to find this space.
“When you think of the harsh weather we have recently had, it’s hard to imagine living on the hills in a tent with a sleeping bag and not much else to keep you warm.
“The new location will offer respite and comfort to people sleeping rough, and we hope to connect with local businesses to explore offering a hot meal to help lift their spirits.”
When the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated, Caring for Communities and People (CCP) will alert people via email or social media.
The outreach teams will go around the county and reach out to street sleepers and known homeless people to offer support.
Councillor John Gallagher, leader and poverty alleviation member champion at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The night shelters are an invaluable resource, and we are so pleased to now have a site.
“Thank you to the workers and volunteers at CCP for their continuous hard work and dedication.”
Visit www.thestreetlink.org.uk/ to notify SWEP staff of rough sleepers and help them get support.
Visit www.ccp.org.uk/ for more information.
