"The father said neighbours had taken pity and invited his family to a funeral so they could finish off the food."

Frank Field's account of the distressing experiences of some of his constituents moves Conservative MP Heidi Allen to tears during a debate about universal credit. pic.twitter.com/4GdNaIPHUE

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) December 5, 2017

MP Frank Field’s shared some of the distressing experiences of individuals and families in his constituency which brought MP Heidi Allen to tears during a debate about Universal credit which has recently undergone a few changes. As Winter hits, central London and built up areas become a hot spot for the homeless as the ice tends to melt quicker due to the high footfall of people and there are more surfaces for them to set up a place to sleep for the night. There are also individuals and families living in dire conditions who have no access to kitchen appliances or money for heating or are struggling financially to put food on the table.

“More than 300,000 people in Britain – equivalent to one in every 200 – are officially recorded as homeless or living in inadequate homes, according to figures released by the charity Shelter.” Nov 18

There is a lot we can do during the festive season to help those in a difficult situation, homelessness can happen to anyone and loss of income especially during challenging financial times here in the UK is a huge contributor. It’s important to note that being homeless does affect women and men as well as children differently.

“The three main reasons for having lost a last settled home, given by applicants for homelessness support from local councils are: parents, friends or relatives unwilling or unable to continue to accommodate them. relationship breakdown, including domestic violence.” Shelter

Islamically we are advised to fulfil the rights of our neighbours by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

“A man is not from me who sleeps contentedly while his neighbour sleeps hungry.”

This Winter take time to check on elderly neighbours and families, perhaps just a gift or invitation for a cup of tea could be a way to start dialogue or help to build a relationship. We have listed three main things to do and within them Numerous other acts.

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Related

The mosque that gave shelter to Grenfell victims is now giving shelter to the homeless

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Give Time to

Sufra Kitchen Nw

Sufra NW London will be open throughout the festive season – the Food Bank and Community Kitchen will continue to operate on all bank holidays. Always there to help. 

To support: https://t.co/m7p5h4H78a

— Sufra NW London (@SufraNWLondon) December 3, 2017

They often have various voluntary roles available such as:

Food Bank Volunteer (Wednesdays/Sunday 11am-4pm)

Kitchen Assistant (Fridays 4pm-7pm/6pm-9pm)

NEW: Literacy, Numeracy & IT Skills Tutor (Food Academy Plus) – refer to programme details

Supermarket Collector – flexible

Admin Support – flexible

Rumi’s Kitchen

You can either Volunteer or Donate to Rumi’s kitchen

Give Food

The Trussel Trust partners with local communities to help stop food hunger and you can find a branch to donate or visit.  You can support them in a huge range of ways, from donating, partnering or volunteering. Foodbanks also need that extra help during the Winter months.

Foodbanks gave out 47% more food supplies last December than the rest of the financial year, and they need your help to meet the demand>> pic.twitter.com/fmr9Hl7hhL

— The Trussell Trust (@TrussellTrust) November 29, 2017

Why not arrange or initiate a collection at your local school, mosque or amongst family and friends. Many Foodbanks will need to stock up, please check on the items they need as some items are not excepted or needed, many have specific shopping lists.

Thank you for all of your donations to our food bank appeal. Final day for collection is tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/lANGYGsTbD

— Upper Wharfedale School (@UpperWharfedale) December 7, 2017

 Give warmth

Whitechapel mission: Donate Socks, chocs and clothing to

Salvation Army Clothing Bank: Find the one closest to you

St. Mungos accept clothing and bedding: Find out where and what else to donate

You can always start an initiative too…

“During winter in Turkey and Bulgaria, people hang their extra jackets on trees for homeless and destitute. What a thoughtful gesture.” Abdul Raheem Rudolf

Abdul Raheem Rudolf

Whatever you do this winter, respect the rights your neighbour has upon you. You may just knock for your neighbours and invite them for a cup of tea or spend five minutes talking to them, it’s a start. It’s important to let others know you are there for them this Winter and beyond.