A community-led outreach event to support people experiencing homelessness in the area has been hailed a great success.
Local businesses and volunteers came together to support Saturday's venture, organised by Tyler Fitzpatrick and Ryan Gillham.
“It was a shared effort - from those who donated supplies, to those who gave their time, energy, and skills on the day," Tyler told MKFM, "Two tables were set up in the city centre filled with donated food, clothing, blankets, tents, and essential items, with members of the public also stopping by to contribute.
“The aim was to listen, support, and show that people are not alone. The day challenged common stereotypes around homelessness and highlighted the very real issues people are facing — from illness and loss, to being moved on with nowhere to go.”
Newton Leys salon La Barbers offered free haircuts to help restore confidence and dignity, and Tyler - aka local musician FITZY - performed a new song about homelessness.
“We handed out a lot of donations that we believe changed people’s night. One guy outside MK train station was sleeping on a RedBull can as a pillow with no blanket,” Tyler said, “It was freezing and would’ve been very hard for him to have made it through that night. He was so grateful when we handed him a pillow and a blanket that was donated by other people to us.
“It just goes to show how these donations really go a long way.”
Tyler and Ryan will soon take to the streets to experience rough sleeping, which will be documented by a filmmaker, to further shed a light on the difficulties faced daily.
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