Having to carry treasured belongings around all day can be tiresome and dangerous for people experiencing homelessness. Installing lockers, which are new, roomy and free to use, in Aberystwyth will mean that people sleeping rough are assured that their possessions are safe, and they can focus and getting the support they need.
The six secure purple lockers were purchased with money from Ceredigion County Council to increase provision for rough sleepers in the area.
Anthony Vaughan, Ceredigion Projects Manager at The Wallich, said:
“When the local authority homelessness team approached us to work together to provide any additional help that was needed to support people who are rough sleeping, we immediately suggested storage lockers as they are something several people we’ve worked with over the years have wished for.
“Someone who is rough sleeping has to keep all their belongings with them and they can worry about them being stolen when they are asleep. Transporting belongings around also becomes a hindrance during the day, when an individual may need to go to several different appointments, get hot food or even just find a warm place.
“Having somewhere secure and dry to store belongings, that can be accessed 24 hours a day, can have a big, positive impact on someone rough sleeping.”
Jack, 56, expressed happiness about the new lockers being installed:
“Having been semi-permanently homeless since May 2008, one of the biggest issues I have found is being able to have clean, dry clothes and sleeping gear. In the past, I have used the 20p lockers at Aberystwyth Leisure Centre and in other areas, but these are only available during their very limited opening hours, so not practical for me to use.
“These Wallich lockers are readily available, large enough to store all the stuff I need so I can kit myself out for a couple of days, knowing I have clean, dry stuff whatever happens. Over this winter, the lockers have made the difference between ‘just getting by’ and feeling happy to know that I have got what I need.”
Anyone who needs to make use of the lockers can do so by contacting The Wallich Ceredigion Solutions Service on 01970 611832 / 07967 595324, email aberstaff@thewallich.net or call into the office on 9 Chalybeate St, Aberystwyth.