Compassion in Action: How REACT Supported Hounslow’s SWEP Efforts

Pictured: Responder Natalie Fairchild with Islamic Relief's UK Programmes Officer Mubeen Hussain. Credit REACT 2025.

When freezing temperatures hit Hounslow, the Mayor of London’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated to protect people sleeping rough. This life-saving initiative ensures emergency accommodation is available for those without shelter during severe weather conditions, but it takes a collective effort to make it work.

This winter, when Hounslow faced heightened challenges, REACT Disaster Response stepped in to support SWEP alongside Hounslow Council, Islamic Relief UK, and Holy Trinity Church. Together, they ensured that no one was left vulnerable to the cold.

The Vital Role of SWEP in Hounslow

SWEP is a critical measure activated whenever temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing. In Hounslow, the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team works tirelessly during these conditions to locate people sleeping rough and encourage them to come indoors to a safe, warm space.

The outreach team doesn’t just provide temporary relief—they offer ongoing support to help individuals transition off the streets for good. However, the scale of extreme weather events often requires additional help, which is where REACT and its partners made a difference.

REACT’s Rapid Deployment: Supporting SWEP at Holy Trinity Church

On Wednesday, January 8th, REACT volunteers arrived at Holy Trinity Church in Hounslow, working alongside other organisations to transform the space into a welcoming shelter.

Here’s how the evening unfolded:

• Setting up the venue: Volunteers prepared tables, chairs, and camp beds in two separate rooms to ensure people had a comfortable environment.
• Providing refreshments: A hot drinks and water station was set up, offering people warmth and hydration.
• Serving meals: Volunteers assisted caterers in distributing hearty meals, including pasta and chicken soup.
• Offering companionship: The team talked with guests, listened to their stories, and built genuine connections.

“It wasn’t just about shelter,” shared one REACT volunteer. “It was about showing care, respect, and humanity to people who needed it most.”

The SWEP response in Hounslow is a testament to the power of community action. When temperatures drop, organisations and volunteers step up to ensure that no one is left out in the cold.

With ongoing efforts to provide long-term solutions for rough sleepers, this response reminds us that together, we can help to create a warmer, more compassionate world.