Friend of the Year: One Big Family
MOST people can’t even start to imagine what life would be like living rough on the streets.
Sadly, more people have had to do this in recent years with most passers-by doing just that … passing by.
But, there is a group in Huddersfield that has dedicated itself to making life just a bit more bearable for them.
It’s called One Big Family and, over the last three years, its members, who are all volunteers, have tirelessly helped the homeless in Huddersfield.
They are in the town centre every week doing outreach work supporting some of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of the community.
They provide essential items, ranging from toiletries to clean clothes, talk to those needing support and point them towards other services who can help them to find a new life away from the streets.
The charity’s founder, Elizabeth Shaw, said: “Our volunteers are out on the streets at night offering hot and cold drinks, food, clothing, underwear, hygiene items and sleeping bags to those in need. Most importantly, we offer a hug and a good old chat.”
One Big Family works closely with other organisations in the area, most notably the Council Rough Sleeper Initiative, to share information and concerns about rough sleepers and then help to find accommodation.
They also support them with other problems that blight their lives, from mental health issues through to alcohol and other addictions. One Big Family regularly accompany the people they help to appointments and interviews to give them that extra confidence and visit them when they are in hospital.
Elizabeth added the support doesn’t end if they get someone into accommodation.
“We offer home starter packs with the basics they might need, plus furniture where we can assist,” she said. “We are still a phone call away if they need us.”
The Yorkshire branch of One Big Family is run by Jayne Pugh.