Sleeping Bags Appeal

(In case you missed this, I think it's worth while repeating this appeal. It appeared in the ET on wednesday. A lot of ex service personnel sadly find themselves in this position, here's something practical we can do to help a little).

By MATTHEW REVILLE,
Published on Wednesday 9 November 2011 09:57 
Courtesy Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Rough sleepers have been given a boost after residents answered Peterborough shelter’s lifesaving appeal for sleeping bags.

Peterborough Streets, in Adderley, North Bretton, made the appeal in the ET on October 21 amid concerns for the city’s homeless as the winter draws in.

They have now received more than 30 sleeping bags – both second-hand and new – and although the charity is extremely grateful for the public’s generosity it still hopes to take in more donations for its clients.

Centre manager Diane Bentley said: “These donations could save people’s lives this winter – especially as it’s supposed to be a cold one.

“Whenever any of our clients have been given the donated sleeping bags they are incredibly thankful for them. People’s kindness in helping out really is appreciated.

“We have had more than 30 sleeping bags donated so far, which is absolutely fantastic.

“Some people even phoned up and asked what we needed, then went out and bought exactly what we described.

“But just as well received are the second-hand sleeping bags. We can stitch up rips and give dirty bags a good clean.

“It is important that we get as many as possible because then we can clean our clients’ wet or dirty sleeping bags, and give them a replacement in the meantime.

“Not only is it demoralising for someone to sleep in a wet sleeping bag, it can be dangerous to their health.”

Although the appeal is going well, the demand is still high for more donations to be sent to the charity to redistribute among the homeless.

Diane added: “We have not set a target, it is more a case of we can’t get too many.

“We are constantly being asked by our clients for sleeping bags, but the need is definitely greater during the winter months.”

One person donating a sleeping bag, who asked not to be named, said: “When I heard about the appeal I thought it was a really good idea. I had an old sleeping bag that hadn’t been used in a few years, so I dropped it off at the centre. It is a worry for everyone when the weather starts to get cold, but the concerns I have are nothing compared to those of people who sleep outdoors.”

People who want to donate a sleeping bag to Peterborough Streets can take it to either the day centre at Adderley, North Bretton, or the shop in Park Road or call 01733 785871 to organise collection.

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