New student-led organisation to help the homeless

Warwick students in Leamington have set up a new organisation to help the homeless, vulnerably housed and those facing gross poverty over winter.

Leamington Winter Support (LWS) aims to “provide secure, warm shelter and food to people that need it.”

The Students’ Union has awarded the group some money through its Project Fund, North Leamington Community Fund has also awarded them £1,700 and they are in the process of applying for funding from other local groups.

The group has secured a house free of charge from property agents Tara and Co, which it plans to have up and running as a viable shelter by the end of the year.

Our aim is to fill in the gaps to give more comprehensive coverage over the coldest winter months, starting with at least 1 night of extra provision.”
LWS

Volunteers from Warwick University and Leamington have been forthcoming, with 65 members so far – however the majority of members come from the University.

But Susan Rutherford, one of the LWS’s founders, stressed that “we are really keen to express that this is intended to be a community project where students and members of the local community work together.

“A lot of student volunteering efforts are focussed on working for the community, rather than with them. We want this project to form connections between all groups, as it is all too easy to get stuck in the ‘student bubble’ and forget to get involved with local issues.”

Leamington Winter Support is holding open days at the new property on December 4th (6-8pm) and 5th (2-4pm), where anyone can “come by and have a look at the space, talk to us about the project and have a look at what work needs to be done”, according to the other founder of the group, Vishal Chauhan.

When asked by The Boar whether they believe the government should be doing the work they are currently doing, LWS replied that they have signed an agreement not to discuss politics or get involved in campaigning.

LWS stressed that any students who are interested in getting involved should join their Facebook group, and to email LeamingtonWS@gmail.com.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and dedication of these volunteers who have already helped us so much, and look forward to developing this project with them into the future.”