Batley based homeless project gets new look and new name

Batley Homeless Project, which had to suspend its vital services during the coronavirus lockdown, is now called West Yorkshire Hardship Project.

The project delivers two key services each week and is entirely volunteer-led.

The Dewsbury town centre outreach provides a hot meal, toiletries, clothing and a food parcel to around 70 or more, homeless and those in severe financial hardship every Friday evening.

The Leeds street outreach provides a hot meal and basic provisions including toiletries to 35-40 street homeless and hostels people every Wednesday and Thursday.

The trustees, led by chairman Derek Hallas, said: “We are proud and delighted to announce the change in name which we feel more accurately captures what we strive to provide. That is, offering support to people in times of hardship.

“We know that in the wake of the pandemic more residents are facing hardship than ever before, and that this extends beyond those that are rough sleeping or street homeless.

“We know that people are coping with redundancy, food poverty and housing insecurity. We know that local communities have been hard-hit.

“The pandemic necessitated a temporary suspension of our usual Leeds and Dewsbury support services, but we are back doing what we do best.

“Our charity relies on the hard work and dedication of our volunteers to support those in greatest need in our local communities as well as crucial donations from our local partners and residents. We welcome donations to support our work.

“For more information please contact 07427 652683.”