It’s that time of the year where as the temperature drops across the country we all turn to our spare blankets and put our heating up that extra couple of degrees. Whilst we enjoy our luxurys and sometimes take them for granted, there are those who are less fortunate and are sleeping on the streets without knowing where their next meal will come from.

You may have noticed whilst travelling through Birmingham City Centre and the surrounding areas, that the number of homeless people is increasing. At least 320,000 people are homeless in Britain, according to research by the housing charity Shelter. The estimate suggests that nationally one in 200 people are homeless.Outside off London, high homelessness rates were recorded in Birmingham, Luton, Brighton & Hove, Slough, Dartford, Milton Keynes, Harlow, Watford, Epsom, Reading, Broxbourne, Basildon, Peterborough and Coventry. Regionally, homelessness grew fastest in the West Midlands, which saw a 12% increase from 2017.

The alarming fact about these statistics is that the numbers are not entirely accurate as local authorities are finding it difficult to keep track of the official figures; thereby meaning the numbers could be seriously underestimated.

Myself and two friends, Basil Hussain and Rafaqat Ali have a collective goal, we want to raise a fund which will be used to provide care packages to those sleeping rough on the streets of Birmingham. Included in the care packages will be items such as water, tinned food, blankets, gloves, socks and other essentials.

Last year Britain experienced one of the worst winters in over 40 years. Those of us privileged with a roof over our heads were not prepared; one can only imagine what those less fortunate would have experienced. We welcome any donation to help our cause and will happily take on any ideas or recommendations you may have.

Updates will be posted regularly throughout our campaign to show you what progress has been made and to ensure you know what difference you are making to our city.