A fantastic initiative by BCARS (Bournemouth Christians Alongside Rough Sleepers) and Faithworks, (a registered charity) to help Bournemouth rough sleepers get off the streets and stay off the streets. Sleepsafe is a winter emergency bed scheme providing 12 beds each night over 22 weeks of winter.

Sleepsafe as it’s name suggests, is a warm and safe place for the people on our streets to sleep, not only providing a warm place for the night, but offering practical support, advice and encouragement to make that sometimes difficult transition off the streets a little easier.

Seven church venues are now in place with beds and bedding. A hundred volunteers have been trained. Three Night Workers and their Waking Volunteer Assistants are now ready.

 

 

 

G was in Sleepsafe last year. He got a place at Micheal’s House then joined the team at Second Half, the new BCARS project based at St George’s, Boscombe that helps people learn new skills in readiness for the workplace. In the last month, G now has a new job and his own flat!

How Can You Help?

Signpost: If you meet a rough sleeper in town who wants to get off the street, suggest they make an appointment for an assessment at “Half-time” on Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat mornings (Westover Road next to YMCA).

Volunteer: If you would like to help, email  BCARSadmin@Faithworkswessex.org.uk for an application form

Give Stuff: Toiletries, underwear, towels and socks please! Call Faithworks on 01202 429037 for information on where to take them.

Give Money: There are already have some wonderful financial supporters who enable Sleepsafe continue.  If you can join in, then text FWWX17 £10 to 70070, or click “donate” on the Faithworks website

BCARS is also proud to be part of the group of over 12 agencies who are introducing Street Support in Bournemouth – the online resource where you can find all the available support for homeless people in your area, read about the homeless situation and what is being done, listen to homeless people themselves and where all the “Give Help” information in your area is in ONE place.