The Brick has launched its annual ‘Wrap up Wigan’ campaign, to support vulnerable members in the borough and to ensure that everyone in the community stays warm as the colder weather approaches.
We work with people who are at risk of, or who are transitioning through homelessness, financial hardship, or crisis, and they are calling for people to come together to donate preloved winter coats and other items to help bring comfort, to those who need it the most, during the cold months ahead.
The Brick charity shop manager Pauline Mitchell explains how The Brick’s Wrap up Wigan campaign really does make a difference to families and individuals. Pauline said: “I work in the Brick’s charity shop in Wigan, and I see first-hand the struggles that people in our community are facing. From housing, through to energy costs and rising food costs, people are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the basics. The more costly items such as winter coats, are often just too expensive and we find that families often will go without. The items donated as part of our ‘Wrap up Wigan’ campaign are ring-fenced as items for emergency provision and are provided free of charge. It really does make a difference for people to be able to come to our shop to select winter coats, and more, for their family. If we can provide comfort for people facing hardship, it makes everything we do worthwhile.”
Keely Dalfen, CEO at The Brick, adds: “Between October and November 2022, 7.2m low-income households went without essentials such as food, a warm home, or toiletries, as reported by the Jospeh Rowntree foundation. The number of families in arrears with their household bills has more than tripled in the last 3 years, now standing at 4.7m.
“As we enter the cold weather period, we are increasing our efforts again, but each year it gets harder. With your help we will make sure that no-one is cold or without a hot meal this winter. We are particularly increasing our efforts to support anyone who may be at risk of sleeping on the streets. Our outreach team is out from 5am each morning, offering assistance and support.”
We urgently need the following donations for the ‘Wrap up Wigan’ campaign: Padded coats (Adults & Children), Electric blankets (new), Warm blankets, Hand warmers, Thermal clothing (Adults & Children), Hats / Gloves / Scarves (Adults & Children), Socks / Slippers (Adults & Children), Slow cookers, Air Fryers.
People can donate, or collect winter coats, hats, and gloves by visiting:
The Brick Shop – 160 Gidlow Lane, Wigan WN6 7EA:
Monday to Friday, 9.30 AM – 4.30 PM
Saturday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Brick Works – 4 Hodson Street, Wigan WN3 4EN:
Monday to Friday, 9.30-4.30pm
In addition to these items, The Brick also welcomes monetary donations, to bulk buy food and essentials at a lower cost. If you can help, please visit: www.thebrick.org.uk.
If you are a local business and would like to help keep families warm this winter, please email Jane Webb at partners@thebrick.org.uk
If you are worried about someone who is homeless or sleeping rough, The Brick operates a 24/7 web chat service where you can report the location of a sleep site and an alert will be sent out to The Brick team. You can also alert The Brick to a person who is rough sleeping at www.thebrick.org.uk and the team will get someone out to them as soon as possible.
If someone is in immediate danger, then please contact emergency services.
