We are running the Rucksack Project again this year and if you’d like to help, please fill a rucksack full of items that will make a rough sleeper a little more comfortable over the winter months. We suggest a sleeping bag, warm jumper/fleece, tracksuit bottoms, warm hat and gloves, underwear, toothbrush and paste, liquid soap, wet wipes, flask, non-perishable snacks such as chocolate, biscuits and crisps. Rucksacks can be dropped off at the United Brethren Public House in New Writtle Street, Chelmsford or alternatively if people are unable to get there then they can contact us via our Facebook page or on our Contact Us form on our website (www.c2bk.co.uk) and we will make alternative arrangements.
We are working in partnership with Help the Homeless Chelmsford who carry out regular outreach where the rucksacks will be distributed locally. We will also leave several at Sanctus for them to distribute to their service users. Last year we received over 400 rucksacks so we were able to share these with other rough sleeping support groups throughout Essex.
Rough sleeping has increased by 169% since 2010, nearly 800 rough sleepers died last year alone, and it’s just 18 months since Rob O’Conner died in the doorway of the vacant Argos building in Springfield Road.