Outdoor enthusiasts asked to help Exeter’s homeless this Christmas

Reporters
Authored by Reporters
Posted Monday, November 19, 2018 - 11:40am

DEVON climbers, hikers and walkers are being asked to help keep Exeter’s homeless warm this Christmas and New Year through donations of nearly new rucksacks, sleeping bags and outdoor clothing (November 2018).

Fore Street-based Taunton Leisure – Exeter is inviting customers to bring in any items they no longer need to help with a collection it is making for the charity St Petrock’s.

Store Manager, Nick Baron, who is a keen climber, explained: “We’re hoping lots of our loyal customers and friends and colleagues from the walking, hiking and climbing fraternity come in with any rucksacks, sleeping bags and waterproof outdoor clothing, which is still in relatively good condition, but that they no longer need.

“Our charity collection will run until Sunday, January 27 during normal opening hours and we will pass on all we’ve collected to St Petrock’s for them to hand out to those in need. It’s an ideal way to donate any waterproof clothing you’ve grown out of, or are looking to replace, to a very worthy cause.

“The items most useful for St Petrock’s clients are rucksacks, sleeping bags, waterproofs and insulated jackets for men and women.”

The charity officially opened its doors in December 1994 as a community project providing a humanitarian response to rough sleepers in Exeter. It was given permission by the Central Parish of Exeter to adapt two thirds of St Petrock’s church for use as a homeless centre.

More than 600 people per annum face homelessness and multiple disadvantages in Exeter and the surrounding areas. Many of those who use St Petrock’s are people often viewed as being on the fringes of, or outside, society.

They include rough-sleepers, those being supported in accommodation subsequent to homelessness, those facing imminent homelessness, those released from prison and those discharged from hospital including mental health facilities/specialist accommodation.

Sadly, for many, homelessness may be accompanied by mental health issues, drug and/or alcohol problems, often as a result of traumatic childhood events. It may be accompanied by complicated medical issues, usually a result of many years of rough sleeping. All of which increase the difficulties for individuals in achieving stability and independence within the wider community.

Gill Luckings, External Communications Manager from St Petrocks, said: “We’re delighted to be supported in this way and we’re very grateful to Taunton Leisure and Nick for organising this collection and asking us what we really need to help those who are street homeless. Warm clothing and sleeping bags are potentially life-saving items from this time of year into February and March, when we can have some of the wettest and coldest weather and, often, we have got through a lot of our Christmas donations by then. 

“Unfortunately, homelessness is a year-round issue and, although it receives a lot of attention at Christmas, by extending the collection into January this helps build public awareness around this, also, it means anyone thinking of buying new items in the sales might be more likely to donate anything they no longer need then too.

“We are especially grateful to Nick and Taunton Leisure for offering to store the donations, so that we can collect the items as and when most needed as our storage space is limited.

“For more than 24 years, we’ve been the first point of contact for people who are homeless, or vulnerably housed, in Exeter and surrounding areas. Our centre in Cathedral Yard is both the heart of our services and the gateway to specialist service providers. It is unique in the city, in that it offers its own accommodation routes, in addition to basic survival services and advice and support all under one roof.

“Our work tackles not only the issues of homelessness but also the accompanying factors, such as anti-social behaviour and wider social inclusion issues.

“In 2017/18, 463 individuals accessed our drop-in services at St Petrock’s centre and 243 people were supported into accommodation.

“The total cost of running these services is £500,000 each year on average and 94% of our income is spent on providing services, which directly support our clients. As a local charity, we are fortunate to have the support of the community, which provided some 58% of our income in 2017/18. We rely on the generosity of the city and the surrounding areas and are very grateful for all the support we receive including donations like these from Taunton Leisure’s customers and the wider climbing, hiking and walking community.”

Taunton Leisure on Fore Street in Exeter has been helping its customers get the right clothing, footwear and outdoor leisure equipment for decades.

Customers travel specifically to visit the store as it is well-known and respected for its specialist expertise and skills. It is particularly known for its climbing know-how and has team members who are experienced in wild camping and bush craft.

From walking boots to climbing shoes or tents to outdoor cookware, Taunton Leisure supplies more than 3,500 products online or in-store and has friendly knowledgeable staff on hand to offer expert advice too.

Taunton Leisure – Exeter partners with climbing and mountaineering organisations and, also, has an extensive Tent Showroom covering more than 3,000 sq/ft.

The company, which has stores in Bristol and Taunton as well, stocks well-known brands such as Altberg, Rab, The North Face, Vango, Outwell, Osprey, Mountain Equipment and Meindl. It also provides niche products and is the only retailer in the UK to sell Snow Peak Titanium Cookware.

The charity rucksack, sleeping bag and outdoor clothing collection at Taunton Leisure – Exeter, which is on Fore Street in the city, takes during normal opening hours until Sunday, January 27.

For more information, please visit Taunton Leisure on Fore Street in Exeter. Alternatively, please call 01392 410534.

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