Shropshire Council Homelessness Team provides vital support over Christmas and New Year
Shropshire Council’s Homelessness Team worked tirelessly throughout the festive period to ensure that vulnerable residents were supported and safe during one of the most challenging times of the year.
James Owen, Shropshire Council portfolio holder for Housing and Leisure, Shropshire Council Rough Sleeper Team and two residents of 70 Castle Foregate
Despite the seasonal pressures, the team continued to deliver business as usual services, responding to housing needs and providing advice and assistance to those at risk of homelessness. The team operate 24/7 365 days a year so even when others are on leave the service continues to run. This festive period saw more than 100 households presenting in need of advice and assistance.
In addition, enhanced measures were put in place to protect people sleeping rough during the cold weather. Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated for 6 nights due to a decrease in temperature, offering emergency accommodation to anyone sleeping outdoors. This was fully staffed by the council’s Rough Sleeper Team and saw 11 people accommodated over this period, ensuring no one was left exposed to dangerous conditions during freezing nights.
James Owen, Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure, added:
“No one should have to face homelessness, especially during the festive season. I want to thank our Homeless and Rough Sleeper Teams for going above and beyond to provide care and support when it was needed most. Their work reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.”
The Rough Sleeper Outreach Team maintained regular contact with rough sleepers, ensuring there was no one new bedded down, providing welfare checks, essential supplies, and support to access accommodation and health services.
Recognising that homelessness does not stop for holidays, the Out of Hours Service remained available 24/7, responding to urgent cases and ensuring immediate help for those in crisis. Over the festive period the team received 35 calls outside of the office open hours from vulnerable households in need of advice and assistance. This commitment meant that people in need could access support at any time, day or night.
Laura Fisher, Head of Housing, Resettlement and Independent Living, said
“The dedication of our Homelessness Team over Christmas and New Year has been outstanding. Their efforts ensured that vulnerable residents were not left without help during the coldest and most difficult time of year. I am personally exceptionally proud of the compassion and professionalism shown by everyone involved.”
Shropshire Council remains committed to tackling homelessness and providing support to those who need it most, not just during the festive season but all year round.
In 2025 the team opened four temporary accommodation schemes enabling a significant reduction on the reliance on B&B accommodation and improving the offer and support for those who need it.
The team can be contacted 24/7, 365 days on 03456789005 or information can be found via Housing options and homelessness | Shropshire Council
