With temperatures dropping to freezing this week and significant funding cuts on the horizon, Julian House is calling on the generosity of local supporters to help keep their doors open for people in need of their support.
The housing crisis and rising cost of living has pushed many 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. The council has enacted the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) this week, 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 incredible 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 was overwhelmed by people’s generosity over the Christmas period.
But, with Bath and 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 says,
“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.”
For more information, please contact:
Zoe Conn, Fundraising and Marketing Director – zoe.conn@julianhouse.org.uk – 07744529803
