A Watford-based charity have embarked on some of their biggest projects to date to help the rapidly growing homeless community and other vulnerable groups as the cost of living crisis deepens.

Hand on Heart has teamed up with 30 organisations to distribute a record 2,000 winter warmer packs across 30 locations including London, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Northampton and Manchester during November and December. These packs will help the homeless to keep warm, comfortable and safe during the winter months.

Despite City Hall announcing the number of rough sleepers in London had increased by 21 per cent since last year, many charities that have previously helped those in need have shut down to financial strains, placing more pressure on organisations such as Hand on Heart.

In response, Hand on Heart – with the support of Beta Charitable Trust – have been distributing winter warmer packs. These cost £30 each and include hoodies, thermals, woolly hats and gloves, thermal socks, underwear, toiletries, oral hygiene and first aid kits which are all packed in a high-quality rucksack.

Watford Observer: Some of the volunteers preparing the winter warmer packs.Some of the volunteers preparing the winter warmer packs. (Image: Hand on Heart)

The Watford charity’s team of volunteers have included 60 families, four schools, a scouts group, care homes and a 100-plus distribution team and these have been supported by the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Sally Burton, Watford MP Dean Russell, Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, the MP for Coventry South Zarah Sultana and local councillors.

In addition to the winter warmer packs campaign, the last few months have seen Hand on Heart scale up their activities and volunteer engagement to meet the rising demand.

The charity distributed more than 1,000 backpacks to school children during September to ensure the recipients had all the basic items of stationary needed to fulfil their potential.

The following month Hand on Heart organised sponsored sleepouts in Central London and Watford which enabled those taking part to experience the difficulties of sleeping rough for one night as well as raise money.

Watford Observer: The charity is distributing 2,000 winter warmer packs.The charity is distributing 2,000 winter warmer packs. (Image: Hand on Heart)

The charity’s co-founder Afzal Pradhan said: “We are seeing temperatures plummet and our winter warmer campaign aims to help hundreds of people sleeping rough this winter.

“At our distribution hubs, it has been devastating to see a new wave of families, students and apparent middle income earners using food banks. Demand is soaring and is being compounded by the high cost of living.

“As such, we urge anyone to join our Hand on Heart family in this hour of need. This could be as a volunteer, a donor or a supporter.”

To find out more about the charity and its campaigns, visit www.handonhearttrust.com