Rather than sending Christmas cards this year, we are supporting local charity Stonepillow’s Christmas Kindness campaign.

Stonepillow was formed in 1989 and works to support and empower homeless and vulnerable people to achieve sustainable independence and wellbeing in the area covered by Chichester and Arun District Councils, through the Stonepillow Hubs and Hostels based in Chichester and Bognor Regis. 

The Hubs function as Stonepillow’s drop-in centres, providing clients with access to a range of facilities and sign-posting to other services including breakfast, lunch and hot drinks through the day, shower and laundry facilities, dedicated Support Workers available to offer help and advice, assistance with benefit claims and housing options, dental and GP surgery services as well as mental health support.

From the Hubs, clients can be referred to the Hostels in Chichester and Bognor for short term accommodation needs, or longer (up to 28 days) for some clients. 

The Stonepillow Christmas Kindness campaign offers many ways to support the homeless people in our area through the toughest season of all.  This includes the  Winter Warmth ‘gift that keeps on giving’. 

Stonepillow says “Winter on the streets, when you have underlying addictions and health needs, is life threatening, and so the need for winter clothing and essentials are vital to health and wellbeing.  We provide weatherproof clothing and footwear, thermal base layers, waterproof sleeping bags and sleep pods.  These crucial items will enable our clients to have a small amount of winter warmth while out on the streets or living in the outlying woodlands.”

You can find out more about Stonepillow here, including their Christmas Kindness campaign.