THE COUNCIL has activated emergency measures for homeless people during the heatwave.

BCP Council announced that their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) response will be in force yesterday (August 8).

This will see an outreach team carry out welfare checks and provide people with hats, sun cream and water.

Councillor Karen Rampton, portfolio holder for People and Homes, said: “BCP Council in partnership with St Mungo’s has been closely monitoring the ongoing hot weather forecast over the week ahead and will continue to do so.

“SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) has been triggered from August 8, with our existing arrangements having been reviewed and measures stepped up as of now.

“This week our outreach team, St Mungo’s , will be implementing these emergency measures with more frequent welfare checks on everyone.

"Help includes the provision of water, sun cream and hats, locating water refill stations and identifying shady spots as well as offering advice to keep safe during the hot spell.

“Accommodation offers will be reviewed for everyone.”

In a recent BCP Council committee meeting, Councillor Rampton praised the council's response during the last heatwave in July.

She said: “During the recent heatwave, there was a great response from adult social care, the housing team and St Mungo's.

"SWEP was triggered and everybody stepped up and went out with hats, drinks, sun cream.

"We got some people indoors who were quite resistant to coming indoors, so that was a really good result and we also created some cool spaces where people were able to shelter.”

An amber heat-health warning has been issued amid the latest heatwave with highs of 34C predicted for parts of Dorset.

Dorset Council announced this morning that they will also be supporting rough sleepers this week.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “Rough sleepers will get support as the weather hots up this week.

“Outreach workers will offer water, sun cream or emergency accommodation to those most at risk.

“Anyone concerned about a rough sleeper call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or visit http://streetlink.org.uk”