Winter Provision
Winter Shelter
Catching Lives coordinated the Canterbury Community Shelter for winter 2024-25, in partnership with Canterbury Cathedral, St Paul's, Canterbury Baptist Church, St Peter's Methodist, St Dunstan's, St Thomas of Canterbury, St Mary Bredin and Canterbury Umbrella. The shelter was open from 16 December to 16 March. Thank you to everyone who supported us with venues, volunteering and donations.
How you can help
Volunteering
Each year we rely on volunteers to deliver winter services - for more information about current year-round opportunities, please see our Volunteering page.
Fundraising
Your donations help us to plan and deliver services year-round. Extended winter provision, such as Canterbury Community Shelter, is only possible with significant funding from the community, as well as grants from a range of sources. To help us plan for next winter, please visit Catching Lives on JustGiving and set up a monthly donation.
Extended Winter Provision
Access
People can attend our day centre for support and a safe space off the streets during the day, 9am-2pm. We help to refer on to housing providers and, during the winter, we'll share any arrangements for extended evening or overnight provision on this page and in our Newsletter.
Working with partners
We work closely with partner agencies throughout the year, but especially in winter. This includes Canterbury City Council's rough sleeping and housing teams to move people on from the streets to somewhere safe and warm. We regularly refer people into Porchlight supported accommodation.
Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP)
During periods freezing weather, we refer people sleeping rough to the council’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) when it is available. For anyone still on the streets, we try to provide warm clothing, sleeping bags and tents if we have them.