The number of homeless people in West Berkshire is sadly rising. Healthwatch West Berkshire’s new Report on Homeless and Rough Sleepers 2018 provides an insight into the causes and experience of homelessness and the challenges homeless people face getting the help they need.
For West Berkshire Council’s response to the report please click here. And for details of their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol please click here.
If you would like to help, there are a number of local organisations dedicated to supporting homeless people:
Loose Ends
Loose Ends is a drop-centre in Newbury serving food to the homeless and vulnerable on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. It is run by over 80 volunteers who serve on average 140 meals a week and give over 6,000 hours a year of their time to helping Loose Ends. The preparation and serving of healthy, hot meals is their main function but they also offer groceries, tins, toiletries and clean clothes to all those in need. Click here to donate food or items needed by rough sleepers.
Newbury Soup Kitchen
The Newbury Soup Kitchen is open Thursdays 6 – 8pm in the Salvation Army hall to fill one of the Loose Ends gaps. It is a voluntary organisation providing help and support to the Newbury homeless community and those less fortunate than others. The primary operation is a friendly drop-in centre for vulnerable adults who perhaps have mental health issues or are just lonely. All are greeted with hot food and drinks every Thursday evening. Click here to donate food or items like tents and sleeping bags needed by rough sleepers
Two Saints
Two Saints hostel in Newbury offers accommodation with support and resettlement services, and helps residents develop skills to break the cycle of homelessness, poverty and exclusion. Click here to donate
West Berkshire Homeless
The West Berkshire Homeless charity has been running a nightly shelter at the Salvation Army hall from December to early March. They are now renting two half-way houses to provide the next steps on their residents journey. It is their intention that none of their regulars go back to living in tents. Click here for their wish list to furnish the new half-way houses. To donate cash you can text: WBHN17 and your chosen amount (£1, £2, £5, £10) to 70070.
Community Action Ark Project
The Community Action Ark Project charity runs a mobile shelter on a converted double decker bus. They provide a warm bed and safe environment to anyone in the Reading and Newbury area whether they have local connections or not. Click here to donate
West Berkshire Foodbank
West Berkshire Foodbank don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why they provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. Click here to donate
Eight Bells for Mental Health
Eight Bells for Mental Health charity is a member led peer support group for people with mental health issues which meets regularly in Newbury. Some homeless and rough sleepers are members. Click here to donate
