Give a gift of hope this Christmas

Christmas this year is likely to be different for everyone. Whilst restrictions might be in place, most of us can still look forward to being cosy at home this Christmas, safe and secure. Sadly, there will be people less fortunate who are worried about being without a home this Christmas. This year has presented challenges for so many people with many now at risk of becoming homeless.

We believe that being without a home doesn’t have to mean going without Christmas. We do our best to ensure that Christmas Day is as special as it can be for our residents and people sleeping rough in the area. Can you help us to make Christmas special for people experiencing homelessness in Hampshire?

Thank you to everyone who has so kindly donated Christmas gifts for our residents. We have been very touched by all the wonderful donations and now have presents under the tree for each of our residents to open on Christmas Day.

Ways you can help people experiencing homelessness in Hampshire this Christmas:

Treat someone to a hot drink

Over the festive period can you treat someone to a hot drink? Every year, we serve thousands of hot drinks to our residents and to people sleeping rough. The drinks give comfort, energy, warmth and the chance for a conversation. That conversation could be the start of a new beginning.

Text NIGHTSHELTER 2 to 70085 to donate £2. Please note that your normal message charges will apply.

Give a gift of hope

In a year when our homes have become our everything, we are asking people to give the gift of a home to be in this Christmas. A donation of just £10 will provide someone experiencing homelessness with a bed for the night, a home-cooked meal, toiletries, clothes, breakfast and a welcoming and supportive place to keep safe.

Donate a gift

Thank you to everyone who has so generously donated gifts for our residents. Each resident, including our residents living in our moving on houses, now has a wonderful selection of gifts to open on Christmas Day. If you are keen to give a gift, perhaps one of the best items at this point would be a gift voucher for a coffee shop, a clothes shop or mobile phone data.

Christmas e-cards

With our printed cards now all sold out (thank you for the support!), our beautiful Christmas cards featuring scenes of Winchester created by two local artists are now available to send as e-cards.

Simply choose your design to send to your friends and family and if possible make a donation which we will use to help people experiencing homelessness.

Secret Santa

Pay for someone’s Christmas meal, cover the cost of staying at the Nightshelter for a night this December or fund a one-to-one support session.

Making a one-off donation is not only a quick and easy way to complete your Secret Santa this year but it will also make a big difference to someone’s life. Rather than being just a Secret Santa, how about being a Secret Helper?

‘A Cat Called Smokey’

Winchester Rotary is kindly supporting the Nightshelter and Trinity Winchester this Christmas through the sale of ‘A Cat Called Smokey’.

This engaging children’s book has been written by local author, Diana Brooks and is ideal for children age 3-7 and cat lovers of all ages. Purchase the book online for collection or opt to have it posted. Please note that at this stage we cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas.

Pledge your support in 2021

Sadly, 2021 is likely to be just as tough as 2020 for many people. The impact of the pandemic will still be felt with job losses likely and pressure on relationships leading to a predicted increase in homelessness.

Could you become a regular donor in 2021 and help us support people experiencing homelessness? Whether you can spare £2 or £20 a month, your support will help to make a positive difference. Together we can change lives.

Buy a calendar

During lockdown, one of our volunteers worked together with a friend to compile a calendar featuring abstract photography.

When you purchase one of the calendars all profits will go towards supporting our vital work. You can buy the calendar online for just £2.50 for collection from the Nightshelter or for a little extra we can post it to you.

Fundraise

With holiday plans limited this Christmas how about spending some of the festive break on a fundraising project. Maybe a family sponsored silence, a Lego building challenge, a sponsored run or a cooking challenge?

A perfect way to come together as a family either in person or virtually and find focus in these strange times. JustGiving and VirginMoneyGiving are a great way to set up fundraising pages. Email marketing@winchesterbeacon.org.uk and let us know your plans so that we can promote your fundraising.

“A hundred percent I would not be where I am now with the Nightshelter. If it wasn’t for their dedication and hard work I wouldn’t be here”

After losing someone close to her, Trish struggled to cope and was eventually evicted from her home. She was referred to the Nightshelter where she stayed and received support including counselling. Trish took the opportunity to move to one of our moving on houses which are a stepping stone to independent living.  This summer, Trish has been able to move out to live in her own one-bedroom flat in North Yorkshire where she hopes to attend college. Trish’s Nightshelter Project Worker, Debby, still calls Trish every week to see how she is and to offer support.