AS the weather plummets to freezing temperatures a Stroud organisation is providing emergency help to the homeless of Gloucestershire.

Organised by Red Shed Stroud and run by volunteers, a stall in King’s Walk, Gloucester is providing food and hot drinks for homeless people, and advice, support and essentials for street survival.

As well as helping with essentials for the homeless, the stall volunteers, who will be there daily from 10am to 4pm until the end of next week, are also keen to talk with members of the public – giving information, listening and discussing issues arising from the rising numbers of people falling through the housing and support net.

Debbie Hicks, one of the volunteers, said that the response from both members of the public and those in need has been amazing: “we have  been visited by a number of homeless people looking for some warmth and advice, and we’ve also been touched by the kindness and generosity of people bringing us donations.”

She is keen to highlight the importance of supporting those on the streets during the winter months: “As many are aware, at this time of year living rough causes many fatalities, help is vital.”

Donations that are collected in Gloucester will be distributed to those in need in Stroud and Gloucester over the coming weeks, and the organisation is also looking to provide some long term support through regular stalls and collection points over the next year.

Debbie explained: “This really could happen to anyone, we are all just two pay checks away from being homeless.

“We want to empower those on the streets with direct support, so that they feel human again.

“Hopefully this will be the start of us doing something on a regular basis so that we can help to address homelessness all year round,” she concluded.

Those who are looking to help should bring along the  following items to the stall in King’s Walk over the coming week:

  • Thick, waterproof sleeping bags
  • Waterproof, warm and light coats  - that can be packed into a bag
  • Light but warm long socks - that can be dried easily
  • Waterproof gloves
  • Beanies or trapper hats
  • Heat pads
  • Heat sprays, gels, creams and patches - e.g. Ralgex, Deep Herat etc
  • Boots, waterproof and thick, in a variety of sizes
  • Self-heating emergency meals - available from Army Surplus Stores, and online at Amazon, Hotpackmeals, EVAQ8
  • Emergency heat blankets - Superdrug, Ebay, Amazon, Pound Shop
  • Dog coats and jackets
  • Dry foot sprays and talcum powder
  • Christmas cards with positive messages
  • Sandwiches - freshly made and wrapped.

The volunteers added that as it is the season of goodwill perhaps a Secret Santa selection of wrapped gifts could be included in the donations.