The Wallich winter fundraising campaign to alleviate hardship for people in Wales
Rising bills, high rent and mortgage payments, extortionate food prices and low wages are just the start of what people across Wales are dealing with
The cost-of-living crisis is having a direct impact on households in Wales and putting many more people at risk of homelessness.
The 2023 Wallich winter campaign aims to alleviate the hardship faced by anyone experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness or in vulnerable housing in Wales during the cold winter months.
Whilst positive strides have been made to help end homelessness in Wales and across the UK, homelessness is still on the rise.
According to Welsh Government and the Bevan Foundation
- 9,246 households were threatened with homelessness in 2022/2023
- In the last year, 5,481 households were placed in temporary accommodation
- Four in ten people are going without heating in their home
- 48% of people in Wales report that their mental health is being negatively affected by their financial position.
- 52% of people with disabilities have gone without heating in their home over the past three months
These figures are stark, and we believe that the people of Wales deserve a safety net.
People are not choosing to struggle, they’re being forced into unmanageable financial situations.
What The Wallich is doing
As the weather starts to change and the winter months set in, The Wallich is going above and beyond.
We now go beyond providing rough sleeping outreach, accommodation and preparing for an independent future.
The Wallich is plugging growing gaps in people’s food bills, helping to clear debt and get essential, new items to improve someone’s overall health and wellbeing.
So far this year, The Wallich has supported more than 4,750 people. The Wallich employs more than 450 staff and operates more than 100 projects across Wales.
The money raised through this campaign will be instrumental in ensuring that our expert staff can continue to be there for anyone who needs us, 365 days a year.
What you can do to help The Wallich alleviate hardship
Join The Wallich this winter to support the people who need our help across Wales.
Set up a regular donation
By setting up a regular donation, you could make a greater impact and spread the cost throughout the year.
- £2 a month could buy a sleeping bag for someone sleeping rough
- £5 a month (16 pence per day) could buy heat for a home
- £10 a month could buy essential food
- £15 a month could buy six mental health counselling sessions
- £25 a month could buy furniture to set up a new home
- £50 a month could secure a rent deposit
- £50 a month could help ease debt
Make a one-off donation
No matter how small, a one-off donation could help someone essential items as and when they need them.
- £5 could buy essential hygiene products
- £10 could buy thermal hats or gloves
- £20 could buy a basic food shop
- £24 could buy a sleeping bag for someone sleeping rough
- £60 could buy heat for a home
Raffle
Play for your chance to win in The Wallich winter raffle. Raffle tickets start from just £2 and you could win one of our fantastic prizes.
Have you got the gift of the gab or a few festive event coming up? Why not sell raffle tickets for us in your community. Find out more.
Make your Christmas shopping go further
Whether you’ve been saving throughout the year, or are planning to do a last-minute dash, we understand that treating your loved ones is a priority.
It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping at your favourite high street store, or supporting a local business, shopping through Give as You Live is an easy way to raise money for a charity of your choice – at no cost to you.
It is a simple and automatic way to support The Wallich every time you shop, at no cost to the shopper.
We know money is tight and even if you’d like to, making a monetary donation isn’t always possible
Here are some ways you can make a difference without giving financially.
Volunteer
Your time and skills are invaluable.
Whether you volunteer at one of our services or share your expertise to help people gain new skills and confidence.
Whatever your skills and interest are, we’ll help you find the volunteer opportunity that best suits you.
Learn about homelessness
Homelessness can be a complicated and controversial topic.
Taking the time to understand the root causes and enduring consequences is a significant stride toward diminishing the societal stigma associated with homelessness.
Stay informed and encourage your circle to join you in understanding homelessness.
Follow The Wallich on social media to stay in the loop about recent developments, policy changes, impactful campaigns, real-life stories, and more.
Fundraise
Take part in a pre-planned event or organise your own in your school, workplace, or community.
Every penny you raise goes directly toward providing essential resources and support to people experiencing homelessness.
Our fundraising team are here to support you every step of the way
Spread the word
Raise awareness about homelessness in your community.
Share our campaign on social media, talk to your friends and family about the issues that people are facing, and encourage them to get involved.
Your engagement is a crucial step towards compassion and awareness around homelessness.
Instagram: @homelessinwales | Facebook: The Wallich
Twitter: @thewallich | LinkedIn: The Wallich
Mike Walmsley, The Wallich’s Fundraising and Community Engagement Manager, expressed gratitude for the community’s ongoing support.
“We’re enormously grateful to everyone who supports our winter campaign this year.
The cost-of-living crisis is disproportionately affecting lower income households in Wales and putting more people at risk of homelessness.
With your help we can prevent more families from reaching crisis point this winter.”