Crest gives Llandudno’s homeless hope

HOMELESS people living on the streets of Llandudno will
be kept warm and sheltered this winter thanks to a community fund.

Recycling company Crest Co-operative in Llandudno Junction launched the fund earlier this year and will be giving £10, 000 back to the Conwy community in 2012-2013.

This week staff and volunteers at Hope Restored, a drop-in centre at Gloddaeth United Church, Llandudno, said a £500 funding boost from Crest Co-operative will give people
hope this winter.

Brenda Hewitt, founder of Hope Restored, said the cash injection had allowed staff to purchase tents, blankets, toiletries and clothing for homeless people. She said: “There are around 11 people living on the streets of Llandudno, there are all sorts of reasons for this. Some are sheltering in caves on the Great Orme, in bus shelters on the West Shore or in doorways.

“They may have suffered a marriage breakdown, have alcohol issues, illness or mental health issues. Giving them tents and blankets to keep them warm will help them get through the winter.”

Social enterprise Crest Co-operative launched the fund to help community groups, who are struggling to purchase vital equipment or carry out their work in the Conwy county.

Mrs Hewitt said that the current economic climate has led to an increase in homelessness in Llandudno. She opened the Chapel Street drop-in centre two years ago. She had previously distributed sandwiches to the homeless in the town and had seen an increase in demand for food, shelter and care. She said: “We offer hot meals, showers, we help people find accommodation and offer counselling. We named it hope restored after a service user said – we come in here with nothing and walk out with hope.”

Martin Bryne, 61, was homeless on the streets of Llandudno for several months after suffering from alcohol issues. He has now turned his life around, after gaining support and attending rehab and works as a volunteer for Hope Restored. He said: “Funding is vital and we are really grateful for Crest Co-operative’s support. I slept in a field at the back of the railway station in Llandudno. Some nights it would rain really heavy. Once you get wet, even if you have a blanket, you can’t get the heat back. If I would have had a tent it would have really helped me.”

Crest Co-operative will be awarding grants throughout the year. To apply for a grant of up to £500 for your community group visit https://www.crestcooperative.co.uk/crest-community-fund. For further information contact Anna Glover, Marketing Manager at Crest Co-operative on 01492 563459.