As temperatures remain low across the area, and with significant funding cuts expected, Bath charity Julian House is calling for urgent help to keep their doors open.
The housing crisis and rising cost of living have pushed more people into dire straits, with people in low-paid jobs, living in poverty and poor quality or insecure housing more likely to experience homelessness.
The situation is even more critical in the winter months, with people forced to sleep rough in dangerously cold conditions, posing serious health risks.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has enacted the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), a temporary response to ensure the safety of rough sleepers in the event of extreme cold, wind and rain.
Julian House provides life-changing and life-saving support for vulnerable and at-risk people every day of the year – whether they are homeless, escaping domestic abuse, recovering from substance abuse or striving to rebuild their lives after serving a prison sentence.
The charity has already received significant support from individuals and community groups in response to its annual winter appeal.
From university students to local businesses, choral groups and even a fundraising cage fighter, Julian House says it was “overwhelmed” by people’s generosity over the Christmas period.
However, with Bath & North East Somerset Council announcing plans to cut support and accommodation services for vulnerable adults from April 2024, donations from the public are more important than ever for the charity.
Chief Executive Helen Bedser said: “We are always so grateful for the incredible support we receive from our local community, and we hope that they can give a final boost to our winter appeal this January.
“The cold snap will put our services under immense pressure, and we want to help as many people as we can.
“With budget cuts expected in the coming months, donations from the public will be vital to keep our services running.”
You can donate to Julian House’s winter appeal online at julianhouse.org.uk/winterappeal, by posting a cheque, made payable to Julian House, to Julian House Appeal, 1 Kelso Place, Upper Bristol Road, Bath BA1 3AU, or by calling 01225 354656.
