Empowering change with Julian Trust
As a team, we’re always looking to support good local causes within our community, and we are committed to supporting those in need. Julian Trust, which offers a night shelter for homeless people and rough sleepers in Bristol, has been our chosen charity for the last two years and we are proud to announce that we have raised £1,440.27 for their cause.
Their night shelter offers guests a hot meal, a bed for the night and a warm welcome. These funds were raised through linking our corporate spending to platforms such as Easyfundraising, which enabled us to raise donations while purchasing items for our business.
The Julian Trust is thrilled with the efforts made. We visited them at their St Paul’s shelter recently to present the cheque in person, and we were given a tour of the facilities to help us better understand the difference we’re able to make. In addition to the money raised, we donated a box of food, toiletries and clothing.
Ollie Lewis (left), Phoenix Wharf with Joanne Brown, Julian Trust.
A few of us visited Julian Trust in person and were warmly greeted by Joanne Brown who has been volunteering there for over twenty years. We received a tour of the facilities and learned so much about the wonderful work all the volunteers are doing at Julian Trust.
The City of Bristol has the largest numbers of homeless people outside of London. Of those who present themselves at the Night Shelter, many have been, or feel, rejected by society. Some are bewildered, confused, suspicious, even angry. They all share the burdens of poverty, loneliness and the inability at times to cope with life’s basic demands.
That’s why the Julian Trust is such an incredible charity. They offer 12 beds in total, their service is completely free of charge and anyone is welcome. Guests are provided with hot meals, showers, clean clothes and a laundry service. Hot drinks and sandwiches are available for guests to take away. Beds are offered to guests via a referral system. They work in partnership with Bristol City Council and St Mungos Outreach Team to decide which guests are offered beds each week.
To find out more about Julian Trust, visit their website: https://www.juliantrust.org.uk/
Visual tour of Julian Trust, Bristol
Storeroom: Bedding and towels are always required and appreciated, especially single fitted sheets.
The kitchen pantry is packed full of tea, coffee, paper towels, fresh fruit, tinned food, long life milk, etc.
Guests can have their clothes washed and dried during their stay.
The bathrooms have blue lights to make it more difficult to see surface veins, to discourage people from injecting drugs.
They offer 12 beds in total, their service is completely free of charge and anyone is welcome.
Joanne took us on a tour of the facilities, and we learned so much about the wonderful work all the volunteers are doing at Julian Trust. We finished off our tour with a cup of tea and biscuits!
How can you help:
There are several ways to get involved, including donating your time, money, food or clothes. Urgent food items needed can be seen here and you can register your interest to volunteer for a night shift as well.
Julian Trust always needs towels, blankets, pillowcases, single sheets, men’s trainers, menswear including jeans, joggers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, warm winter coats as well as sleeping bags and rucksacks.
To run the nightshelter currently costs around £1,500 per week and every donation is gratefully received. Here’s a link to their donations page.