As the days become shorter and the nights become colder we look forward to returning home after a long day to a warm house and a cooked meal. However is this something that we take for granted?
Shocking statistics reveal that 1million people in the UK alone are homeless and are living in poor conditions on Britain's streets. Even more heartbreaking statistics shows that nearly 200 people in Stoke on Trent alone are between the age of 16-25 and are either homeless or in fear of being homeless.
Thankfully with charities such as Shelter England founded in 1966, each day more and more is being done to protect people effected by loosing there home or being thrown out of home. Unlike other homeless charities all donations made go direct to the charity meaning they do not charge commission. Shelter reallies on people volunteering themselves and public donations to run a successful charity to raise awareness and help people affected by loosing a home.

Alex Bradley and Betty Swaffield currently work for the charity after being recruited on the street by other Shelter workers. Working 9 hours a day sometimes 6 days a week they spend there day talking to people going about there day to day routines in busy shopping areas such as Hanley.Alex says "There are challenges to street fundraising of course because a lot of people do not want to spare the time. It becomes a matter of perseverance and trying to make yourself seem appealing so people will talk to us."

Betty has been apart of the Shelter team since march after being recruited by other street fundraisers.

"It is very rewarding to know that this money improves the lives of vulnerable and distressed people." 

Although at times street fundraising can be hard there are some rewarding aspects of the job at the end of it.
Alex stated "The most rewarding part of working for Shelter is that we know that the money we raise each day make real changes. We also get chances to visit the projects that the money we raise helps fund."
With the help of the public and generous donations Shelter are able to take there work even further and raise more and more money to help people in need across Staffordshire and the rest of the UK.

Stop and speak to street fundraisers it only takes a minute and the cause may inspire you further.

So as the festive season ripens and the Christmas shopping rush kicks in, spare a thought for the people who will be alone and homeless this Christmas. Take a moment to speak to the street fundraiser such as Alex and Betty and see how you can get involved.

For more information visit www.shelter.org.uk

Lucy Jolliffe