The heat is as bad as the cold for the homeless, how can cakes help?
The heat is as bad as the cold for the homeless, how can cakes help?
With the recent heatwave now behind us and the UK and Europe recovering from the damage it has caused it is a good time for us to think about the impact this has on the homeless.
Over the years we have supported Wycombe Homeless Connection and often there has been a focus around supporting the homeless during the winter months. However, the intensity of the heatwave has served to remind us just how vulnerable this group are.
People sleeping rough are at high risk of health problems in the hot weather, not only because people who sleep rough are already vulnerable but they have little in the way of shade or access to water. During the hot weather, WHC stepped up their outreach walks, opened their support centre further and handed out lots of water, sun cream and hygiene items. Last Monday alone they helped 12 people and placed one person in emergency accommodation who had unfortunately already succumbed to heat exhaustion.
The recent conditions have highlighted the number of people who are sleeping rough in the High Wycombe area. WHC are currently aware of 27 people sleeping rough in the south of the county alone. They published a blog recently talking about this and what they are doing and what more could be done: https://wyhoc.org.uk/blog/rough-sleeping-on-the-rise-whats-going-on
How you can help.
There is an immediate opportunity for everyone in the Wycombe area to help by Baking Cakes!
WHC are calling on the local community to help make their fundraising cake stand at the Beaconsfield Country Fayre their best ever! This event is on August bank holiday Monday and WHC need cakes, bakes, treats, allotment-produce, sweets, preserves and more to sell. Do you know any keen bakers/makers/growers who might like to pledge their edible donations? All the details are on their website and if you let them know you can help they will be back in touch with more details. Also please spread the word to any people or groups who might also like to help. https://wyhoc.org.uk/event/beaconsfield-country-fayre
Read more about our support for WHC and other charities here.