Call for volunteers to help homeless people across Wrexham over winter

A call has been made for volunteers to help provide shelter and food for homeless people in Wrexham this winter.

The project, which has been set up by Housing Justice Cymru and supported by the Diocese of St Asaph, is being run in partnership with Wrexham Council and other agencies working with those who are homeless.

Seven church buildings across the area will host the shelter, which will provide a safe space, a hot meal and a warm welcome to up to ten guests during the coldest months of the year.

Wrexham has the second highest number of people sleeping rough in Wales, and the highest per head of the population.

Volunteers who supported a night shelter project in Wrexham last year have described how the experience changed their lives.

Mel Morgan and Sue Sawyer are now urging people to sign up to support this year’s church and community shelter for people sleeping rough which gets underway after Christmas.

The pair have stepped up their commitment this year and will be co-ordinating one of the seven venues. They will be responsible for running a team to cook meals, make beds and collect the guests for the night.

“Volunteering was the best things I’ve done since I became a Christian,” said Mel, who lives in Caergrwle.

“I met some lovely people who were volunteers, but I also met some wonderful guests, who by the end of the project felt more like family than guests and really made me realise they they’re just normal human beings, like my family.

“Some of them were as young as my children and it was humbling but it really changed my outlook on life.

“It changed by life because it made me realise, I was one of those people who didn’t understand how people could become homeless. I couldn’t empathise with them.”

Mel added: “I’d encourage people to please go along to one of the training sessions. It’s nothing challenging. Sign yourself up, do a shift and you will want to do more.

“It’s absolutely wonderful and I can’t wait for this year’s project to start.”

Sue from Nercyws added: “My experience was different in that I volunteered for the hard-to-fill shifts – the overnight shift when the guests were asleep.

“Although I didn’t meet many of the guests, I knew while I was there, the guests were safe, no-one was kicking them or stealing their stuff and they could sleep peacefully in a warm dry place.”

Volunteer training is taking place on Monday 9th December and prospective helpers are being urged to sign up to attend.

Shelter co-ordinator, Sarah Wheat, explained: “The more volunteers we have the earlier the night shelter will be able to open.

“Many of the volunteers who supported the project last year have committed to participate again this year, but we still need more people, especially if we’re to open after Christmas.

“We are particularly in need of people to drive the shelter mini-bus, to cover night shifts and to make breakfast for our guests. If you can help in any way, please contact me.”

To volunteer or to make a financial contribution to the project, please email Sarah Wheat: [email protected]. To find out about volunteering visit the Diocese of St Asaph website.