The Winter Warmer project has been out in Blackpool, Preston, Blackburn and Burnley delivering Winter Warmth kits to those on the streets.
The project, delivered by IMO, Benefit Mankind and other local groups, received £11,990 funding through the Commissioner’s dedicated fund for street pastors, angels & similar organisations to help support those in need and help them get any support they need, including connection with services that may be able to help them get off the streets.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw and his Deputy Chris Webb, joined the team in Blackpool as part of their homeless outreach work.
Mr Grunshaw said:
“Supporting vulnerable people is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan, with projects like this playing a key role in keeping people safe and also reducing the demand on emergency services.
“This reduces some of the strain that these frontline services face and ultimately makes the county a safer and better place, which can only be a good thing.
“It is also great that projects such as this have adapted to the lockdown restrictions we have seen in differing forms over the last year – the need for this support has not gone away and being able to deliver it in a way which is safe and meets the very real need of some of our most vulnerable people is hugely important.”
Stephen Jones CEO at IMO Charity said – “At our organisation the core aim is to support the vulnerable and less fortunate, that’s why we felt it was important that we joined forces with an international charity called Benefit Mankind to reach out in Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool via this funding to help, engage and signpost them to the appropriate services”.
Dr Mulla CEO at Benefit Mankind said – “We are established to benefit humanity, as charity begins at home, we took on this work with our partners IMO Charity. This work is much needed during the cold winter nights, especially when Covid has impacted on many people living in Lancashire. We wanted to provide some comfort to these people by providing a Hot Meal and Sleeping kit. The money given by Lancs PCC has really helped us to enhance this offer for the homeless”.
