Winter woollies keep hostel wrapped up warm

Buy photos » Mayor of Worcester Roger Berry joins Louise Shaw, of Sainsbury’s, and Lisa Richards, of St Paul’s Hostel, to help with the homeless charity’s donation drive. Picture by Neville Collins 02013038ncw2 Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com

GLOVES, hats and jumpers were among the items donated to a Worcester charity which supports the homeless.

The Mayor of Worcester Roger Berry joined staff from St Paul’s Hostel at Sainsbury’s in St John’s to try and entice shoppers to hand over any unwanted items of winter clothing.

The Night Assessment Centre, which is supported by St Paul’s and is based at the YMCA on Henwick Road, has continued to see the number of people using its services rise as temperatures plummet.

The latest drive for donations of clothing was launched by the hostel’s administrations officer Lisa Richards and the event saw them collect three trolley loads.

“It went better than I anticipated,” she said.

“It was different from what we have previously done as we were asking for warm clothing, so it wasn’t something they could just go into the store and buy. But people did go home and come back with a load of stuff to drop off, which was great.

“One man even donated a couple of sleeping bags and pillows, which can be used in the hostel.”

Meanwhile, Coun Berry will be hosting the city’s first Homelessness Action Day at the Guildhall from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Saturday).

The free event aims to increase awareness and raise funds for local charities which support the homeless.

Representatives from local groups such as St Paul’s Hostel, Worcester YMCA, Maggs Day Centre, South Worcestershire Nightstop and Worcester Community Housing will be sharing their experiences of working with the homeless.

“In Worcester we will be aiming to ensure that no one new to the streets spends a second night out. Action must be taken to help people find a route out of their predicament. We must work together to end homelessness,” Coun Berry said.

A new service has been launched to help members of the public act when they see someone sleeping rough and put them in touch with support and advice.

Visit www.streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 0914 for more information.

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