Vulnerable people sleeping rough on London's streets are facing a heightened risk to life this week, as councils deactivate a critical emergency housing protocol amid a severe Arctic blast and the imminent arrival of Storm Goretti.
Emergency Protocol Switched Off Amid Deep Freeze
Many Londoners awoke on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, to treacherous icy pavements and school closures as temperatures plunged once more. The situation is set to deteriorate further, with the Met Office issuing yellow and amber warnings for snow and ice across the UK for the remainder of the week. Compounding the danger, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended an amber cold health alert for all regions of England until 12pm on Sunday, January 11.
Despite these severe conditions, rough sleepers in the capital will not automatically be offered emergency shelter if the mercury stays above freezing. This follows a notice from the Mayor of London's office confirming the deactivation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).
SWEP is traditionally activated when temperatures are forecast to drop to 0°C or below, or during other perilous weather like heavy snow, rain, or high winds. When active, it mandates local authorities to provide immediate emergency accommodation to all rough sleepers, irrespective of their usual eligibility criteria, while outreach teams work to bring people indoors.
What You Can Do to Help
For those wishing to assist people surviving on the streets during this dangerous cold snap, the most effective single action is to use the Streetlink service in England and Wales.
If you see someone sleeping rough, you can send an alert via the Streetlink website or by calling 0300 500 0914. This notifies local outreach teams, such as council workers or charities like St Mungo's, who can then locate the individual and offer support.
To make an effective referral, be prepared to provide:
- The precise location, including a map pin and description.
- The time you saw the person.
- A description of their appearance and, if known, their name and age.
This advice applies to adults. If the person appears to be under 18, contact the police directly. In any medical emergency, always call 999. You can also contact your local council directly to report a rough sleeper, as many operate their own SWEP plans.
Other Vital Ways to Offer Support
Beyond an immediate alert, there are several other ways to aid homeless people this winter.
Consider donating warm items like coats, blankets, and sleeping bags to charities such as Wrap Up UK. You can find your local homeless shelter or donation point via Homeless Link or check what items are needed at a Salvation Army clothing bank.
If you wish to offer direct assistance, it is acceptable to ask if someone would like a hot drink or food. A friendly check-in to see if they are okay, followed by a Streetlink alert, can also be lifesaving.
For longer-term support, consider donating to or volunteering with homelessness charities. Key organisations include Crisis UK, Shelter, Centrepoint, St Mungo's, Emmaus, Tap London, Depaul UK, and Homeless Link. Another impactful action is to subscribe to The Big Issue, a magazine sold by homeless vendors to help them earn a legitimate income.
With the threat from Storm Goretti looming and the cold health alert in force, community vigilance and action are more critical than ever to protect London's most vulnerable residents.
