BRANCHES of Co-op Funeralcare in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have donated domestic goods for homeless people who are moving on from The Bridge Trust into their own accommodation.
The Bridge Trust is a small local charity which pro- vides homes with support for local people without anywhere to live. Residents stay with the Trust for up to two years, and, once they are ready, it helps them make the big step into their own
residences.
Nick Doggett, a Supported Housing Officer at the charity, said: “When residents move on to independent living from our accommodation they often have nothing or just the very basics to start them off.
“We encourage them to save for essential items, but often this means a very basic knife, fork, spoon, plate bought at the cheapest outlet they can find them.”
The Co-op donations include plates, bowls, mugs, towels and baking trays.
Nick adds: “Some thought by the Co-op has obviously gone into these packs and the quality of them is to a very high standard.
“It can be easy to forget that people struggling to make ends meet appreciate the finer things in life, too.
“I know that the recipients will be very grateful and appreciative.
“Items such as these cannot fail to help lift a low mood and improve someone’s feeling of self-worth. We can’t thank them enough.”
After raising £500 with their sleep-out for the charity last year, Co-op Funeralcare wanted to continue to provide vital support.
Ian Richardson, of the Tunbridge Wells branch, and Pauline Taffurelli, in Tonbridge, presented the essential homeware to The Bridge Trust.
Ian said: “We were so pleased to be able to provide the start-up kits for people being rehomed, and know they will be put to good use.
“We hope it will demonstrate to those down on their luck that people do care and want to help support them.”
The Bridge Trust has been operating for over 25 years and have provided accommodation and support for the homeless to over 700 people. Visit www.thebridgetrust.org.uk
