At the time of writing, spring has arrived, the day is warm and the sun is shining. Daffodils sway in swarms along the roadside, their bright yellow heads catching the light and heralding the summer ahead. The long cold winter is over.

My thoughts drift to the people who use our services. Is it any easier for them when the days are warmer? My thoughts dwell on what it is like to be homeless, what it takes to survive without a steady income, without a home, and without what most people think they need in order to live.

Most people are fortunate never to experience homelessness. But for those who do, it can be a very traumatic experience that is hard to escape from, damaging physical and emotional well-being along the way.

Many people only associate homelessness with sleeping on the streets, but homelessness exists in many different forms – the reality is that rough sleeping is only the most extreme. The vast majority of homeless people are families or single people without a permanent home. Some may be ‘sofa surfing’ whilst others live in temporary accommodation. High levels of stress exist due to lack of control over their housing situation, along with high levels of poverty, isolation and vulnerability as well as detrimental effects on physical health. The impact on homeless children can also be long-lasting, with insecurity affecting their mental health, development, and educational attainment.

The reasons for becoming homeless are many – relationship breakdowns, drug or alcohol misuse, poor mental health, worklessness, mortgage and rent arrears, to name a few. In this time of economic crisis, many more people will become homeless. How far away are any of us from it?

Friary Drop-In offers a supportive respite for homeless people, and gives practical help with food parcels, bedding, clothing, and access to health and rehabilitation services, help and advice with claiming benefits and finding accommodation. The Drop-In is open each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, welcoming about 300 visitors each week into the warm café environment. There is a crèche for children up to 8, and also an allotment project.

You are reading this because you have an interest in this organisation, and I thank you for that. Friary Drop-In relies heavily on the goodwill of the many people who give donations of money or goods, and volunteers who give their time and skills. The numbers of people using Friary Drop-In services rise year on year. This year could be our busiest ever and we need your help. There is much speculation that charities such as ours will be hit hard with the economic crisis which we are all experiencing now. May I thank you for your most welcome contribution in whatever form that may have taken, and ask you to continue to support our work into the future.