Working together to support homelessness charities

The highways sector regularly works together reaching out to local charities and projects, to offer materials, staff hours and expertise to those working and volunteering in their communities, for the greater good.

This summer several highways and construction organisations who deliver repairs and maintenance on behalf of National Highways, have come together to support people experiencing homelessness by collecting items for Dignity Bags.

Self-care and personal hygiene are directly related to less illness and better overall health. A Dignity Bag is a kit handed out by community groups, charities, and people when they see somebody in need of one.

Shelter estimated 217,000 people in the UK are experiencing homelessness and for those people experiencing this difficulty, basic essentials can make a huge difference.

Led by Winvic, 260 Dignity Bags were collected through donations made by staff and businesses in Yorkshire and the North-east, and in the south-east of England, Hanson’s coordinated the collection of 70 bags. These were then donated to charities: Emmaus in Yorkshire, Nite Light in the North-east and Maidstone Homeless Care in the South-east.

Casey Fawcett, Emmaus Outreach Team Leader said “A huge thank you to Winvic and the whole of National Highways suppliers group for putting so much effort into collectively making 200 Dignity Bags. You can really see the amount of thought and care that has went into making each and every single one.

She explained “The supplies within these bags will give those rough sleeping an opportunity to stay clean and look after their health and wellbeing, while also supporting the Emmaus Rough Sleeper Outreach Service, to gain trust with each person we speak to so that we can support them into accommodation that much quicker.”

Mike Louth, Manager from Maidstone Homeless Care added “Thank you very much for the donations of over 70 Dignity Bags. In these straitened times, donations like these are more welcome than ever!  It enables those who are finding daily life more and more difficult, to have those basic, essential items. Your donations are very much appreciated here at Maidstone Homeless Care and by all those we support.”

A representative from National Highways said “It's heart-warming to see the highways sector and its partners coming together to support homeless charities across England. The initiative to provide Dignity Bags shows the positive impact that collective efforts can have on the lives of those experiencing homelessness. This collaboration not only provides essential items but also contributes to the overall well-being of individuals in need. It's a wonderful example of communities working together for a greater cause.”

Thank you to: -

For more information on National Highways approach to Social Value visit https://nationalhighways.co.uk/about-us/social-value-and-national-highways/