Tuesday 12th August 2025
Westminster City Council has activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) in response to the recent Amber Alert, with temperatures climbing above 30°C in the capital.
While SWEP is most commonly triggered during freezing winter weather, in London it can also be activated during periods of extreme heat – when the health risks for those sleeping rough become life-threatening. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and other serious medical emergencies.
As part of the protocol, extra support is now in place for people sleeping rough across Westminster. This includes:
- Increased outreach services to check on people’s welfare
- Distribution of bottled water and sunscreen
- Access to shaded and cool spaces
- Additional emergency beds and extended service hours
The Passage is working with the Council to ensure that rough sleepers – and their pets – can access safety, shelter, and care during the heatwave.
Our Engagement & Outreach Team are distributing water and sun cream across Victoria, whilst regularly checking in with vulnerable clients. We’ve also extended the opening hours of our Resource Centre to provide longer respite out of the sun for those experiencing homelessness in London, and are referring at-risk clients to emergency beds wherever possible.
Extreme weather, whether hot or cold, puts lives at risk – but with the community’s help, we can make a critical difference.
How you can help
Your support can help us save lives this summer. A donation today will help us to continue providing vital help such as water, shade, and urgent assistance to those in danger from the heat.
We also encourage everyone to:
- Check in on those you see rough sleeping
- Offer people water and sun cream
- If you are concerned about someone who is rough sleeping, but it’s not an emergency, please contact Streetlink. Visit www.streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 914.
- Call 999 if you are seriously concerned about someone’s health and wellbeing.