In collaboration with the Bedford Homeless Partnership
In recent years, there has been more awareness about the hardship of homelessness in Britain, with winter being an especially challenging time for anyone without housing. Bedford has the 8th highest number of rough sleepers in the whole of England, so we decided to support the Bedford Homeless Partnership in their appeal to donate items that would help people in our community that are homeless in the cold season.
On 25th January we held a drop-off session for donations in Lakeview Village Hall and invited Wixams residents to come by and bring with them any items that they would like to contribute to our collective donation.
We know that the Wixams community has a big heart, but during the session we really were amazed by the generosity and the number of residents that came by to drop off donations. Over the 3 hours about 60 residents visited our session and gave as much as they could – coats, blankets, toiletries, gloves, hats, books, food items and much, much more.
You can see below the huge contribution donated by the Wixams community. Well done Wixams!
All donations will be forwarded to the Bedford Homeless Partnership, who will make sure the items will be directed to the homeless charities in need.
We can proudly put into numbers what your contributions amounted to, it’s very impressive!
A big thank you for everyone who came and donated, your contribution will make a huge difference to the life of someone less fortunate!
We’d also like to thank Paula and Lakeview Village Hall for allowing us the use of the Swan Room, and a big thank you to Asan for taking fantastic photos of the donations.
Press Coverage
This project has been covered by the Bedford Independent, you can find the story here: www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/toiletries-food-and-clothing-donated-for-bedford-homeless-partnership-by-wixams-residents/
Still want to donate?
If you were unable to make the date, but would still like to make a donation, please visit the following charities to see how you may be able to help. They will inform you about what types of donations are required.
Please visit the Bedford Homeless Partnership website to find out more about them and the services they provide.
Streetlink
If you are aware of someone sleeping rough, please use Streetlink. This will connect you to the local support team from Bedford Borough Council.
You can also download the Streetlink app here:
