Night shelter aims to double rough sleeper support

The help given by volunteers keeps the night shelter operating, the charity said

A night shelter for homeless people aims to double the help it offers to rough sleepers over the winter months.

The Bedford Winter Night Shelter will operate for its second year at the King's Arm Project in Harpur Street, Bedford.

Last winter it served up 2,500 warm meals and offered 1,250 bed spaces, but between 2 December and the middle of March 2025 it wants to increase that number to 4,000 meals - and 2,000 bed spaces.

Kirstie Cook, the chief executive of the charity, said: "It’s about restoring dignity and creating pathways toward a better future."

The Bedford Winter Night Shelter will operate from 2 December until the middle of March

During the day, volunteers and members of the charity will offer "uplifting" services to anyone who attends, including nursing care, podiatry, hairdressing, eye care and access to citizen's advice.

"Our goal is to make a bed for the night the first step in a journey toward lasting change," the charity said.

It said it would be a "safe haven where our guests find warmth, a nutritious meal, and genuine human connection".

It will also work with local councils to secure suitable long-term housing and offer skills workshops, employment coaching, and confidence-building sessions.

Food is prepared in the kitchen to serve to people needing a hot meal

Kirstie Cook, the chief executive of the charity, said: "The Winter Night Shelter is about much more than a place to sleep.

"With the community’s help, we can give guests not only a safe place for tonight but also hope for tomorrow."

Funding of £60,000 from Bedford Borough Council will go towards staffing and running costs, the authority said.

Earlier this year, the night shelter was due to shut by February but remained open until the end of March due to high demand.