For the last 5 years we have cleared a local music festival of tents, sleeping bags, ground sheets and other equipment. This has been provided FOC to local homeless people and groups that support homeless and crisis situations. We have worked closely with Aviva Colleagues who have used their volunteer days to help with the clearances . Without these volunteers we would not have been able to provide over 4000 tents, sleeping bags etc in the last 5 years. Thank You

Nobody plans to become homeless, it is a crisis situation, there tends to be around a 2 week wait for statutory services to provide accommodation. During this time, if you are unable to sofa surf or call on friends, you are homeless. Our equipment is provided FOC to anyone following a professional referral or in clear and obvious need of support. We don’t just hand out the equipment, we talk to the people and find out more about their situations. Without exception, every single person has financial challenges, they are at probably the lowest point of their lives. We want to help. We will provide emergency tents, sleeping bags etc., but we also provide clothing, toiletries, socks, pants and other basic items, all FOC. Our aim is to ensure the individual/s feel respected and have a ‘neutral’ person they can speak to.  Clearly the emergency aid provides financial relief when most needed and we then work with other organisations such a DWP and GP surgeries to ensure they are receiving what they are entitled to, as many are in a situation where they cannot prioritise Due to the chaotic situation.

We will then work with the individuals through our employment project ‘Take A Chance On Me’ (when appropriate, to help people into volunteering and employment positions to enable them to take control of their lives and financial situation.

When they come to us they are at a very low point, but they continually come, some have addiction issues, some are ex offenders, ex service people, affected by addiction, and some are ‘normal’ people who have had a life trauma, homelessness can happen to anyone at anytime, there are no stereotypes. We aim to help everyone, no matter the situation and aim to help improve their lives and financial outcomes, giving practical support when most needed.

We are genuinely in need of, and hope to secure funding to rent a storage unit to store  and distribute the equipment from, we would like to rent one for two years. We also need help with costs for the clearance such as van hire, protective equipment and general running costs.

We will be clearing the festival for a 5th year in September and once again Aviva Volunteers will be at the forefront. Thank You