Thursday 02-12-2021 - 07:45

 

For most of us, winter is an exciting time. With the end of the year looming, festive get togethers and Christmas markets, it can be a cheerful time for us all. It’s easy to watch the temperatures drop and the snow fall, and while some of us may prefer summer weather, we’re lucky enough to be able to wrap up warm and stay cosy in our homes.

Now imagine the difficulties people experiencing homelessness face everyday in the winter period. The physical and mental toll of staying out in the freezing cold is unfathomable. If you’re finding yourself wanting to help support people experiencing homelessness this winter but don’t know where to start, here’s a quick guide on the best ways you can help:

 

Volunteer

 

If you have some spare time in the next few months, volunteering is a great way to support people experiencing homelessness. We have great roles on our volunteering portal with Lifeshare, Manchester’s oldest homelessness charity. Lifeshare are now tackling the modern-day issue of digital exclusion, which prevents all from applying for housing, benefits, job, and access to information with any ease. If you are into animation, game making or graphic design these roles are for you!

Perhaps one-off volunteering is more your thing? Leonard Cheshire and Depaul are hosting a Care and Share event Thursday 2 December 13:00-16:00 in The Union. Care and Share is an annual community volunteering event ran by Leonard Cheshire to coincide with International Day of People with Disabilities. They facilitate disabled community groups to volunteer with organisations working with people who have experienced homelessness to create care packages. Come along to help pack bags and for a chance to hear from Depaul about how they support those experiencing homelessness.

 

Donate/Support a local shelter

 

Another great way to support people experiencing homelessness is to support the organisations that make it their life’s work to meet their needs. There are so many wonderful charities in Manchester that you could donate to or fundraise for, like Depaul, Mustard Tree, Lifeshare, Barnabus and so many more.

 

 

 

List of resources

 

 

Have a coffee and a chat

 

Winter can be a really isolating time for some. If you can, why not buy an extra coffee and have a chat with a person experiencing homelessness. You could brighten their day!

 

Reverse Advent Calendar

 

We love this idea from Christian Homelessness Charity, Barnabus. Turn the advent calendar idea on its head. Start off with an empty box and for every day that you would usually open an advent calendar put one of Barnabus’ suggested long-life food or clothing items in the box instead.

 

 

What to do if you are experiencing Homelessness

 

If you’re experiencing homelessness, or feeling vulnerable this winter, please reach out to our dedicated Advice team, who can help you with any financial, wellbeing or housing issues you may have.

 

That’s all from us. We would love to hear how you’re supporting people experiencing homelessness this winter. Let us know via email volunteering@mmu.ac.uk or DM us on Instagram @TheUnionMMU.