Helping hand from Lottery means more gel and masks for homeless

The National Lottery’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund has bolstered a programme to protect rough sleepers from COVID-19 by adding £8,000 to “amazing” public donations from across Greater Manchester.

Following an appeal for funds at the start of lockdown, donors ensured that Homeless Friendly were able to get bags filled with hand gel, masks, plasters, and information on testing, out to all 13 boroughs in the region.

This, despite the fact that people in the region were experiencing calamitous financial hardship and, said Oldham-based charity chief Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, the still present spectre of becoming homeless themselves.

“Last week we heard that as many as 20,000 households have become homeless during the pandemic and once forced evictions return, that number will get even higher,” said Dr Chauhan.

“With poor nutrition and an average life-expectancy of just 45 years of age, rough sleepers are the most susceptible group in the country to getting the virus; and so, this funding is very timely and potentially life-saving.”

From March, the Homeless Friendly team has been asking for funds to cover basic hygiene kits and relied on partner organisations including St John’s Ambulance to distribute them to rough sleepers.

Thanks to the Government, the new funds will be used to make health packs which will also include soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

There will be vital information on local authority schemes to improve the health of the homeless, too.

Created by Dr Chauhan (pictured above) after he saw a rough sleeper removing their own teeth with pliers, the Homeless Friendly programme works with surgeries, hospitals, and hospices to ensure they provide the very best healthcare for rough sleepers.

Charities, councils, and businesses have also played their part in ensuring that those without a fixed abode can find employment, training, services to help them overcome addiction and that vital roof over their heads.

“As if the indignity of grinding poverty and no place to stay weren’t enough, the homeless are more likely to have heart attacks, bouts of depression and even falls,” added Dr Chauhan.

"They are the group in most need of quality healthcare.

"Thankfully, the public played their part and now the Government is adding its patronage through the National Lottery Community fund.

"By showing compassion, we are telling homeless people that they matter and are very much a part of our society.”

To pledge to make your organisation Homeless Friendly, visit: https://www.homelessfriendly.co.uk/

To donate to creating the Homeless Friendly health kits, telephone: 0161 371 6165 or email: gail.sutcliffe1@nhs.net

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