Appeal to support homeless

A homeless charity preparing to look after record numbers this winter has launched a Christmas appeal to support men and women sleeping rough in Horsham.

Outreach workers from Turning Tides – which works across the county including residential and outreach support services in Horsham, East Grinstead and Mid Sussex – will be searching the streets and countryside to find people who need support.

People who are having to sleep rough will receive food, clothing and other essentials. Those housed in Turning Tides’ hostels will experience a full Christmas dinner and Turning Tides’ frontline keyworkers will be on hand with emotional and practical support, all through December and beyond.

Chief executive John Holmstrom said: “Homelessness is escalating at the same time as the harsh winter months approach – and a second wave of the virus.

“For people sleeping rough, and particularly for those homeless for the first time, surviving the winter will be unimaginable. We are doing everything we can to rise to these challenges but we don’t have much time. In previous years, communal night shelters have saved lives during severe weather – but they do not allow for safe social distancing. So this winter presents an enormous challenge.”

Ruth Poyner, head of fundraising for Turning Tides, said: “Almost 90 per cent of the people we support are local – they are our neighbours. We are in this crisis together and if we pull together we can ensure people thrive in our community.”

Donations can be made via www.turning-tides.org. uk/christmas and by calling 01903 680740.