Night Light Winter Shelter
Basingstoke Churches want to trial a pop up winter night shelter to support people who are sleeping rough, so they don't have to sleep outside, where it is unsafe and cold.
Night shelters save lives during the coldest months of the year. Light up a path in the darkness and help bring in people who are sleeping rough in from the cold this winter. With a hot meal, and a warm bed for the night, it could change a person's life for good.
The Camrose Centre Shower Room
Nowhere exists in Basingstoke for people sleeping rough to have a shower. The Camrose Centre plans to convert a disabled toilet in their building into a wet room that will be accessible for all.
With a new shower, toilet and sink (with disabled access) it will mean that people who are sleeping rough can come in and freshen up - a basic need that most of us take for granted.
People using the wet room can also benefit from information, advice and wider support.
What we'll deliver:
- Convert the disabled toilet into an accessible wet room for people who are sleeping rough
- Enhance the information and advice service
- Provide a free hot meal for the homeless
- Provide a warm, safe place for them to sleep
Why it's a great idea:
Night Light Winter Shelter
For most people who are homeless, the winter months can be a scary prospect due to the freezing temperatures. The risk of illnesses and even death are higher than ever during these cold, wet periods. With a warm and safe place to sleep along with free hot food, it can give hope to those who need it the most.
This project also gives opportunities for people who want to offer their time, to do so by supporting a local initiative.
Shower Room
This is a great idea because people sleeping rough tell us that they don't access important local help, because they are worried about their personal hygiene. For example, 'Pete' tells us: "I've had a bad cough for a long time, but I don't want to see my GP because I don't feel clean."
Having had a shower in the wet room, a person sleeping rough will feel more human, confident and socially included.
Steps to get it done:
- Shower Room - Break down existing floor
- Shower Room - Complete the conversion of the disabled toilet to an accessible wet room
- Shower Room - Re-do the pipe work
- Night Shelter - Buy the camp beds, sleeping bags & pillows
- Night Shelter - Buy toiletries
- Night Shelter - Buy towels
- Night Shelter - Identify all volunteers and locations
- Night Shelter - Open the night shelter for use
Support Real Change and make a difference by:
Contacting Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or visit http://streetlink.org.uk
if you're worried about people who may be sleeping rough. This will ensure an outreach worker will find the person you are concerned about and connect them to the help they need.
