Wolverhampton’s Good Shepherd offers scorching lunches and heat area | EUROtoday

A charity has laid on scorching lunches for individuals struggling as temperatures plummet and the federal government warns of the consequences of chilly climate.

Good Shepherd in Wolverhampton helps weak and deprived individuals within the metropolis, from tough sleepers to households residing in supported lodging.

Lucy Cox, fundraising and growth supervisor, stated meals was supplied all year long whatever the climate, however presently of the 12 months it was “even more important”.

She stated it had been “business as usual” for volunteers, who provided individuals a heat area and a scorching meal. The West Midlands noticed freezing temperatures in a single day and a dusting of snow.

Ms Cox stated the charity provided a spread of providers, however discovered the primary time individuals got here to them was for a scorching meal. She stated volunteers at the moment noticed about 150 individuals twice per week.

“We say it starts with a meal,” she stated.

Good Shepherd additionally runs a breakfast membership for tough sleepers 3 times per week.

Ms Cox stated: “We’re a trusted place within the city. People know that they can come to us for the support when they need it.”

She stated the charity relied on about 60 volunteers to run providers.

Support from companies was “invaluable, not only for that financial and practical support, but also to get the messages out there that our work in the Wolverhampton is absolutely vital”, she added.

Other providers embody offering a homelessness outreach service, a household meals pantry, a social enterprise cafe providing coaching and work for individuals who have confronted homelessness and different boundaries, and a neighborhood store the place individuals should purchase gadgets at inexpensive costs.

The intention was to supply “sustainable and lasting change for the people that need it most,” she stated.

A yellow chilly climate warning issued by the Met Office for a big a part of England and Wales was in place on Friday morning.

An additional amber chilly climate alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency stays in place till noon on Monday, as temperatures are forecast to stay low.