Tonight I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Lucie Holland, one of the members of WiNS (Winter Night Shelter) for Bury.
This all came about due to me having a bit of a clear out of a few bits and bobs (two bluetooth speakers and a wireless photo frame). No longer any use to me, but if anyone could make use of them, they were welcome to them.
I listed these on a Facebook group and Lucie replied indicating that they would be very useful for any homeless people that are being rehomed to help to make their new place a little more homely.
Naturally, I was more than happy that these items could go on to be of some use to someone in need. I didn’t know much about WiNS at the time, but have since discovered more about it so thought I’d share it.
WiNS is based out of Freedom Church in Bury, if you’re not aware of it, you’ve almost certainly driven past it at some point. It’s located next to Wickes on Walmersley Road, across the road from the old bury fire station.
You might have heard in the news that Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester has called on every one of the region’s boroughs to provide a bed for rough sleepers during winter this year.
It’s with this that they hope to eradicate rough sleeping in Manchester and surrounding areas in the future.
The team along with Lucie and many volunteers with Freedom Church are part of this project where they are able to house up to 15 homeless people every evening.
This started on 1st November 2018 for Freedom Church and will continue to run until the 31st March 2019.
WiNS is governed by Bury Council however is independent of any other homeless charities such as Shelter etc.
The shelter relies completely on donations from the public and local businesses who have been extremely generous to date.
Donations can include food and drinks – fresh, frozen and home cooked, sleeping bags, warm clothing, hats and gloves, toiletries, electrical goods.
All service users must be referred to WiNS by Bury Council or Caritas at The Red Door where they will be welcomed with a hot meal, beverages all evening (hot and cold) and a comfortable bed for the night.
They often watch films, play table tennis or just relax on the sofas. Calico Rough Sleepers division offer a huge amount of support at WiNS. Helping service users with housing and benefit applications/referrals, support with interviews and appointments, registering with doctors and overall homeless support.
If you have any items you feel you could donate or if you think you could be able to help by providing some time or other support, get in touch with WiNS.
Here is an example of how you can help from today on their Facebook page:
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