Last winter the Monmouth Churches Housing Group set up and ran a successful night shelter across three separate venues in Monmouth. Working in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council, Gwent Police and other organisations, we provided help for adults who found themselves rough sleeping and in need of shelter during the coldest months of the year.

We would like to thank all those who help in any way to make this such a success. Thanks to you we are able to provide a lifeline to those who come to us for help. So to those of you who have supported our fundraising – especially through the Waitrose ‘Green Tokens’ scheme; to the local businesses who help us to help those in need throughout the year, particularly the local sandwich shops and cafés, our neighbouring camp sites and caravan parks, Rub-a Dub launderette, and. of course, to our fabulous volunteers, we would like to say a massive Thank You!

This year we are once again partnering with the local authority to provide an evening meal plus bed and breakfast for those most in need during the months of January and February. The ‘pop up’ night shelter operates across several different venues, all staffed by fully trained volunteers. All guests at the shelter are assessed and if appropriate signposted by the local authority; they sign a ‘guest agreement’ with strict rules on behaviour, including a rigid ban on drugs and alcohol; and they leave the premises in time for the venue to be prepared for its day-time use. The provision supports the Council to reduce rough sleeping and to engage with individuals to resolve housing issues.

If you are able to help as a volunteer, please do get in touch – the more volunteers we have, the more nights we can operate. You will receive appropriate training, help with a DBS application, and find some of the best friends in the world.

Your support enables homeless people to have a safe, clean and warm place to sleep when the weather is at its worst. For your support and understanding which make Monmouth a place of safety for those who need it most - Thank you once again.

The Rev’d Catherine Haynes (Monmouth)