As we look ahead to the coming months, we are excited to share several significant developments that will strengthen and expand our outreach to those sleeping rough and experiencing hardship in our local community. Through new initiatives, growing partnerships, and an incredible team of volunteers, we are preparing to make an even greater impact over the next year. 

The first major piece of news is that we are currently in the process of establishing our own charity, Roots for Renewal. This will help us manage the practical aspects of running our various outreach projects more effectively and provide a strong foundation for future growth and development. 

We have also recently launched Safe Space here at UV on Tuesdays. Rough sleepers are welcome to drop in for a coffee, cake, and a friendly chat. We also provide table games, which have created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, helping people build connections and feel part of a community. 

At the same time, we are beginning to plan our strategy for Winter 2026–27. We already have an amazing team of volunteers ready to serve, and we are exploring partnerships with other local churches to help run the shelter, just as we successfully did last year. We will also be working alongside Torbay Council to deliver SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) provision between November 2026 and March 2027, building on the strong partnership achieved last winter. 

Another exciting development is that we will be extending the duration of the shelter this coming winter. The shelter will operate from 21 December 2026 to 14 March 2027, providing a hot meal, refreshments, fellowship, and a warm, welcoming environment each evening. By extending the shelter period, we will increase our support for rough sleepers, as we look to help improve their wellbeing and create more opportunities to offer care, encouragement, and hope throughout the winter months. 

SWEP: Severe Weather Emergency Procotol

SWEP is a locally agreed procedure activated when temperatures drop below 5°C. Its goal is to prevent harm or death among those sleeping rough during extreme weather conditions such as cold and wind.

During SWEP activation, Torbay Council will open the Assembly Room at Torquay's Town Hall, offering emergency shelter for up to 30 rough sleepers.

We will be present to provide:

• Hot drinks and toast
• Compassionate conversation and presence

Torbay Council Officers and professional overnight security will be present to ensure safely for all.

Winter Night Shelter 

From 21 December 2026 to 14 March 2027, Upton Vale (UV) and local churches will host a Winter Night Shelter - a place of refuge, nourishment, and rest for those sleeping rough during the coldest and darkness months of the year.

Each night, up to 15 guests will receive:

• A hot evening meal
• Hot drinks
• A safe, warm place to sleep
• Access to a shower
• Access to a hairdresser
• Professional overnight security for peace of mind

If you’d like to help, there are many meaningful ways to get involved. You could prepare hot drinks, cook and serve meals, spend time listening and talking with our guests, assist with clearing up after meals, or be part of our prayer team. Volunteer shifts run from 7pm to 10pm each evening or 7am to 8am each morning. To find out more or to sign up, please contact our Supporting Rough Sleepers Leaders Mat Miller (here) or Mark Gridley at markagridley@gmail.com.