As a growing charity we are growing the number of volunteers we need to grow even more and help even more individuals and families in the #Bournemouth area. If you feel that #volunteering is for you we would love to hear from.

A huge thank you to the team at @MartinCoPoole for their very kind donation of 6 industrial size tins of coffee and 2000 cups. #poole #Bournemouth

This is emotional. Thank goodness there are people who help dogs like this. 💖

Thank you @rlagroup for your awesome teamwork

Meet Chris – One of Our Longest Serving Volunteers https://t.co/Z3DxyQvfVq we are always looking for new volunteers in the #bournemouth area - if you would like to know more please get in touch

How ingenious! A group of older women in the US are using discarded plastic bags to weave them into sleeping mats for the homeless. Apparently, it takes 600 bags to make an 18 square foot mat. The group in one year used approx. 52000 bags and made 88 mats. https://t.co/HsvYCUXzMm

Is it time to abolish the Vagrancy Act? Pressure’s growing on the government to repeal a draconian law, enacted in 1447, 1547 and 1824 and still used to criminalise thousands of homeless people each year. Scotland and Northern Ireland have abolished it. https://t.co/5drDaDkDab

Finland has virtually eradicated homelessness. How? Governments since 2007 have developed homeless policies on the principle of "Housing First" enabling rough sleepers and those who become homeless to have a stable and permanent home as soon as possible. https://t.co/ZLntME1RM8

Ten reasons why people become homeless: •Rising rents •Welfare cuts •Severe lack of social housing •Mental health issues •Drug & alcohol addiction •Wage stagnation •Break-up of families •Bereavement •Leaving the armed services and prison •Neglect & abuse

We use your kind donations of money to purchase rough sleepers tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, underwear, socks, sleeping mats, and toiletries. If you would care to donate money or any of the items listed it would make a positive difference to those in need. Thank you!

Four facts about homelessness: 1) Homeless life span shortened by 30 years. 2) Homeless alcohol and drug abuse account 1/3 of all deaths. 3) Ending of private sector tenancies biggest cause of homelessness. 4) 44% of homeless people are employed.

We’d never be able to do our work without the self-less support of our #volunteers. So it’s no wonder to discover four in 10 Britons are volunteering. It’s the “Big Society” in action. If you’ve thought of #volunteering we’d welcome you with open arms!

#FlashbackFriday! “You actually feel wanted”. Five years ago this video was made to show just what was happening at our soup kitchen at the time – it’s amazing what has been achieved in the six years since we began. #helpinghomeless #feedinghomeless https://t.co/ovWcoOqfdx

"Sleeping in our car for nine weeks” say two 54-year-old grandparents from Essex, made homeless waiting for council home allocation. Homeless charity Crisis estimate 12,000 people are sleeping in cars, buses, trains, and tents every night in the UK. https://t.co/c7PAvjYoEL

Can you help? With the winter weather biting, one important use of the money you #donate is the purchase of rough sleepers’ toiletry kits (razors, shower gel, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, tampons, sanitary towels). It makes such a big difference!

We make a living by what we get ...

If you have the time please listen to this episode of the BBC World Service’s Documentary Podcast about the “hidden homeless”. It gives an excellent insight into the everyday life of people living in homeless hostels and temporary accommodation.

You would be surprised how many well-known people have once been homeless. Prepare to be amazed! There are many reasons why a person may end up in this situation. With the right support it need not be permanent even if the barriers seem insurmountable. https://t.co/dexktC7vQR

We not only help the homeless but also local families who can’t afford the basics. Now, on average every month, we serve 1,500 people, 500 cups of tea, 1,500 sandwiches, 1,500 cups of soup and 1,500 hot meals. Even the most modest food donation can make a difference to someone.