Homelessness is an increasing problem across the UK. In August 2017, a report by homeless charity Crisis predicted that rough sleeping in the UK would increase by 76% in the next ten years and that 202,200 households will face homelessness (1).

In Brighton, we know that there are many poor and vulnerable people on the streets every night. There are several established services in the area providing specialist support to help get these individuals back on their feet. Deen Relief provides help through the provision of food, drinks, blankets and clothing every Sunday, from a location on the seafront. Individuals are welcome to take a box containing a freshly prepared hot meal, a bag of mixed food items, and bottled water. When we have clothing and blankets available, individuals are also welcome to take a selection of required items.

We have been running this stall since 2014. If we have any food left at the end of the evening we will walk around the city and give food to the individuals we meet who are sleeping on the street. On average each week we feed approximately 100 individuals. The team who run our stall are all volunteers, and all the items given away are donated by local individuals and businesses. Hot food is prepared by our volunteers (their kitchens have been checked by the council to ensure hygiene).

As as ongoing local cause that we hope to continue for as long as possible, we would require donations to keep us going as there are still many homeless and rough sleepers in Brighton who require support. We hope that you will be able to support this cause to ease and brighten up someone's life.

*Note: Due to the pandemic, we have had to put on hold our weekly food distributions by the Peace Statue by the Hove seafront, however on occasions, we are going around the city to give out food to the homeless. With the funds raised at this time, we also hope to prepare a food and sanitation pack for the homeless around the city.

We would also like to thank the following for making this support possible: The Purple People Food Bank; the Taj Store, Brighton; as well as all our amazing volunteers and fundraisers. We truly appreciate your help and support very much.

Deen Relief Team.

1. Report from Crisis.org.uk