Hillcrest Futures provides warmth and comfort to homeless people in Tayside

A Dundee-based charity has raised £500 through an online fundraising campaign to help keep vulnerable people in Tayside warm and safe during the harsh winter months.

The money, raised by Hillcrest Futures, has been used to purchase a range of warm clothing for people accessing the charity’s drug and alcohol service in Dundee and Perth.

Fiona Holt, Hillcrest Futures’ harm reduction coordinator, explained: “We purchased the items based on feedback from our service users to ensure they received exactly what they needed.

“We used the funds to buy 30 sets of hats, gloves and snoods, as well as 15 thick fleece jackets in various sizes. The snoods also double up as a face covering so are especially useful during the current pandemic.”

Hillcrest Futures’ managing director, Joy Dunlop commented: “We are extremely grateful for the generosity shown by those who supported our campaign, with a special thanks to Thorntons and TC Young Solicitors for their kind donations of £100 each.

“Adverse weather during winter can be extremely difficult for people experiencing poverty, substance use and/or homelessness. The ongoing pandemic and lockdown has exacerbated the situation, with many feeling more vulnerable and alone than ever before.

“We hope by distributing warm clothing it will encourage people to use our services and build a rapport with hard to reach populations to ensure we are identifying and supporting those most at risk.”

A client of Hillcrest Futures’ harm reduction service said “The items of clothing are great quality, very cosy and much appreciated. These are just what I need at this time – thank you”.

Hillcrest Futures’ drug and alcohol service offers a variety of interventions such as overdose prevention, blood borne virus testing and treatment, safer injecting advice as well as promoting recovery activities and mutual aid.