A WEYMOUTH community group which provides meals and essential supplies to homeless and vulnerable people is appealing for help after losing a regular food donation.
Help For Homeless – Weymouth serves hot meals on Westham Bridge every Thursday and Friday from 7.30pm, with volunteers turning out whatever the weather.
The organisation also distributes hot drinks, puddings, clothing, bedding, sleeping bags and tents to people in need.
However, a local hotel which had been donating between 20 and 35 hot meals each week is no longer able to continue its support.
The group is now hoping cafes, restaurants, hotels, takeaways or catering businesses across the town might be willing to step in by preparing a meal approximately once a month.
A volunteer, who has supported the organisation for six years, said: “Until recently a local hotel was donating 20-35 hot meals each week but they’re no longer in a position to help, so we are looking for local cafes, restaurants, hotels, takeaways or caterers who might be able to take their place.
“This would involve cooking a hot meal once every month or so for us to serve to our service users.
“One-pot dishes and simple meals such as mince, mashed potato, garlic bread and stews are great.”
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Help For Homeless – Weymouth was established around 2009 and previously said it typically supported between 10 and 30 people during each visit.
Its volunteers received the Mayor’s Community Award in 2023 in recognition of their work helping vulnerable people in the town.
The organisation, which receives no regular funding and depends upon donations and the generosity of its volunteers, is also looking for more people to join its team.
The volunteer added: “We desperately need people who could give just 30-45 minutes of their time to help with serving, cooking, driving and transporting our kit.
“You’d be buddied up with one of our friendly, experienced volunteers who would welcome you and show you the ropes.”
Dorset Council recently revealed that around 25 people were known to be sleeping rough across the council area, with Weymouth, Bridport and Lyme Regis recording the highest numbers.
The council has launched a multi-agency task force aimed at offering every known rough sleeper a safe route off the streets before Christmas.
The initiative, backed by £1.1 million of government funding, will bring together housing, health and support services to help people access emergency accommodation and longer-term housing.
As part of the plans, The Bus Shelter Dorset's double-decker bus at Weymouth Park and Ride is set to reopen as overnight accommodation from December 1, providing space for up to six people.
Anyone interested in providing meals, making a donation or volunteering can contact an administrator through the Help For Homeless – Weymouth Facebook page or email h4hweymouth@yahoo.com.
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