Charity launches Winter Appeal following record demand for homelessness services
St Petrocs supported more than 500 people last winter
Cornwall-based charity St Petrocs has launched its Winter Appeal to raise funds for services supporting people experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
Facing increasing demand, with 176 people sleeping rough in September – their highest figure recorded in a single month – St Petrocs started delivering its Winter Services earlier than usual this November.
These services provide essential supplies, emergency accommodation, and long-term support to help people transition away from homelessness.
Henry Meacock, CEO of St Petrocs, described the importance of the appeal:
"The St Petrocs Winter Service is a lifeline to many who find themselves outside in the coldest and darkest months of the year.
"They provide an opportunity to get people inside in a safe environment quickly, removing the incredible risk of having to sleep outside, and serve as a platform to find lasting solutions to end their homelessness for good.
"Our Winter Appeal, which is kindly supported by so many, is vital to provide the funds we need to deliver these services. Donating to the appeal will make a direct and positive difference to people in Cornwall this winter."
Last year’s impact
Winter poses a significant risk for those without safe housing, with cold and wet conditions causing serious harm. St Petrocs has committed to running Winter Services despite growing pressures on charities, including uncertain funding and increased demand.
Last year, St Petrocs supported 538 people through their Winter Services by providing essential supplies, emergency accommodation and access to life-changing support.
They provided over 3,000 nights of emergency accommodation, averaging care for about 30 people per night.
Of the 107 individuals who accessed emergency housing last year, 91% did not return to sleeping rough, highlighting the effectiveness of their approach.
Clive, who received support from St Petrocs last winter, shared his experience:
"I had missed the bus, so I sat in the bus station, but the wind was making me cold. So, I spent the night in a payphone, propping myself up all night. St Petrocs helped me out, they sorted me out with emergency accommodation - it was nice and cosy and the heaters were cranked up.
"I feel good now, because I’ve got my own flat. If it wasn’t for St Petrocs, I would have still been on the street."
How to help
People wishing to support St Petrocs can make donations, gift items like sleeping bags and warm clothing, volunteer time at resource centres, or organise fundraising during the winter months.
To learn more or to donate you can visit their website .