Helping people who are sleeping rough

Whilst most of us are getting excited for Christmas (and maybe even the chance of snow), spending time with family and friends, eating all the chocolate and cheese, some of us aren’t that lucky.

These are the coldest months coming and we are fortunate enough to have a roof over our heads and hot running water.

Homelessness is rising at a drastic rate, There is a lot we can all do to help those who are vulnerable this winter.

Streetlink App

It can be really hard to know what to do when we see people sleeping rough. With street link you can let them know about someone who is sleeping on the streets and a member from a local outreach service or authority will help give them the support they need.

Buy Hygiene Products

It’s very easy to take basic personal hygiene products for granted as they are so integrated in our lives. Imagine if you couldn’t brush your teeth daily. The Hygiene bank have drop off points all over the UK.

Why not volunteer your time

There will be a lot of local shelters or charities that need an extra hand over winter. You can help dish out dinner or they are always after different skills to help make someone’s Christmas.

Crisis At Christmas (in London)

Have a chat

It can be incredibly lonely sleeping rough and this can put a great strain on people’s mental health. Always walk by the same person sleeping rough? Why not buy them a hot drink and have a chat with them next time.

Coats

Have a coat you don’t want anymore? Or do you get a new one every year? Why not donate your old coats to a local coat drive who distribute them to the homeless. They get these coats to those who need it most. In London there is Calling London or Wrap Up scheme available.

Food

A bit short on time? Why not donate to help secure someone a Christmas dinner which also includes a bed, shower and health check up with Shelter.

Or donate towards our Christmas advent calendar fundraiser for The Felix Project.

The Felix Project will deliver 1500 tonnes of good food across London this Christmas, to make 3 million meals for people who would otherwise go hungry over the festive period. The Felix Project rescue good, in-date surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.

Remember homelessness isn’t just for Christmas! Let’s go beyond winter and help those most vulnerable.

If you have any other ideas, please let us know!