Emmanuel House is partnering with the University of Nottingham to re-open our emergency Winter Shelter on campus this autumn, following the success of a similar scheme last year.
The shelter on the university’s University Park Campus helped to keep more than 70 people safe and warm over the worst of the winter months, providing protection and a place to stay for those who would otherwise have been sleeping rough between November 2021 and April 2022.
The initiative provided 2067 nights’ protection for the 72 people. 37 of these people were also supported into other accommodation, an average of 1.85 people every week for 20 weeks.
While staying at the Winter Shelter guests received shelter, warmth, 24-hour support and three meals a day.
The university was able to offer accommodation to Emmanuel House at a cost-neutral rate and worked with us to support residents to search for jobs, permanent accommodation and access to other services.
We are very grateful to the University of Nottingham for offering us a building in which to provide the emergency Winter Shelter.
It was also supported by staff and students who volunteered their time serving food, generally helping out and speaking with the guests. Given the very challenging circumstances around Covid it has been a very successful season, which just would not have been possible without the commitment of the university.”
Denis Tully, CEO at Emmanuel House
“The shelter ran better than anyone could ever have imagined. The whole project was successful due to the amazing work from the university and Emmanuel House’s staff and volunteers.”
Viv Dickinson, Shelter Manager
“It was fantastic to be able to make use of this empty property and to help out such a worthy charity. This shows how the University can have a real positive impact beyond the usual expectations of a higher education institution and it has been great to see the positive engagement we have had from both our staff and student community following the announcement of this initiative.“
Ashley Roberts, Head of Campus Services
Volunteering at the Winter Shelter
Overall, 66 people volunteered at the Winter Shelter on campus throughout the winter. They assisted with meal services, cleaning and supporting residents.
“I volunteered for the breakfast shift at the Winter Shelter. This involved working with another volunteer to provide breakfast to the residents. It was a busy shift before heading off to work at the university.
I enjoyed getting to know the residents and being able to serve them as they started their often-challenging days. It was also great to learn more about the work of Emmanuel House and to support the hard-working staff.
I would encourage anyone wanting to volunteer at the Winter Shelter to give it a go. There are many opportunities to get involved in and to make a contribution to support our city’s most vulnerable people.
Debbie Keown, staff member at UoN and supporter of Emmanuel House
If you are interested in volunteering at the Winter Shelter when it reopens in the autumn, please get in touch at volunteering@emmanuelhouse.org.uk.
Our support work at the Winter Shelter
Sophie* arrived at the Winter Shelter after a family dispute. She was meant to stay for one night to avoid her sleeping rough on the streets, but there were problems with the property she was due to move into, so she stayed at the Winter Shelter for a few weeks. During this time, shelter staff and her allocated case worker worked alongside Housing Aid to find her a tenancy. After 26 nights at the Winter Shelter, she moved into her own private rented accommodation. She is still being supported by our Independent Living Team to help her to manage her tenancy.
A 63-year-old British male went abroad in 2015. Whilst away, he suffered with an illness and memory loss and was hospitalized for a very long time. He came back to England in February 2022 and found his way to Nottingham. He was seen rough sleeping and referred to the Winter Shelter. We supported him to register with a GP, sort out his benefits and register with Housing Aid. In March, he moved into supported housing.
A 20-year-old male was told to leave his parents’ home due to a relationship breakdown. He had been rough sleeping whilst still trying to maintain his job as a waiter. He was seen by the Street Outreach Team and referred to the Winter Shelter. Whilst at the Winter Shelter he was able to maintain his employment and he was supported to register with Housing Aid and look for private rented accommodation. After two months at the Winter Shelter, he moved into a property.
A 30-year-old male was making a claim for refugee status. He arrived at the Winter Shelter and was supported to engage with the Refugee Forum and the Home Office. After 5 weeks at the Winter Shelter, he moved into Home Office accommodation.
Find out more about the Winter Shelter on our webpages.
