Charity in 'desperate need' for sleeping bags

Charities are bracing for a rise in demand this winter as the cost of living crisis continues to impact more people

A homelessness charity is urgently calling for donations of sleeping bags to support rough sleepers this winter.

Nadia Mitchell, operations manager at Devizes Opendoors, said they are currently supporting some people who are living in abandoned buildings and others who use flimsy pieces of cardboard to keep warm.

She said: "They [sleeping bags] don't need to be new, but they need to be clean and serviceable. Make sure the zips are working and there are no holes."

Around 4,667 people are sleeping rough in England, a 20% increase in a year, according to the charity Shelter.

Devizes Opendoors made the appeal to highlight a "desperate need" for sleeping bag donations.

The charity supports a mixture of rough sleepers, such as those sleeping in sheds, vans and old boats, sofa surfers and those with their own homes but with issues that can make their tenancies vulnerable.

Ms Mitchell added: "We've encountered people who have slept rough in old dilapidated barns and other buildings.

"They might use cardboard or duvets as liners, but things get wet all the time.

"The cost of living has been sustained for so long now that people are really struggling, not just in terms of paying the rent or keeping a roof over their heads, but also putting food on the table," she added.

Last year, housing charity Shelter estimated 329 people in Wiltshire will be homeless this Christmas, including 122 children.

According to the charity, this year a total of 84,240 families in England will wake up on Christmas Day in insecure temporary accommodation.

Volunteers Lesley and Theresa making hot meals for homeless people at Devizes Opendoor's Southbroom base

In Chippenham, homelessness charity Doorway is not only bracing for cold weather this year - but also potential floods.

CEO Jon Yates said: "Following the devastating floods of 2024 which saw us unable to use our main location until October, we are very conscious of the approaching winter and what it might bring.

"New flood defences and protocols will be in place from the end of November, but I find myself watching the skies and the River Avon intently already.

Jon Yates says Doorway is bracing for winter weather and also flooding

"On top of that demand for our support is increasing and we are very busy collecting food from local schools and other organisations which will see us through the winter in terms of our drop-in and rough sleeper sessions."

Doorway offers 'Rough Sleeper Kits' which include a sleeping bag, a tent, warm clothes and a rucksack to carry it all.

Mr Yates added: "Surviving one night is difficult enough, but doing so night after night is extraordinarily challenging."