A local housing charity has appealed for people to donate sanitary and other products for homeless women in Brighton and Hove.
Brighton Housing Trust (BHT) made the appeal to coincide with International Women’s Day tomorrow (Tuesday 8 March).
BHT won the backing of the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas, when she visited First Base, the day centre that the charity runs in Montpelier Place, Brighton.
She said: “It’s crucial that homelessness services provide a safe and supportive environment for women. I’m sure that generous Brightonians will be fully supportive of this campaign and I hope it helps homeless women feel more comfortable and secure.”
First Base deputy manager Deirdre O’Halloran said: “While it is difficult for any individual who finds themselves homeless, for women specific difficulties arise. They will often have been through violent relationships, abuse and trauma and are more likely to be suffering from mental health difficulties.
“In homeless services, which are often dominated by male clients, it can be difficult for women to know where to ask for help and it is up to those working in these services to create an environment where female clients feel safe and welcome.
“For those specific day to day challenges that arise in terms of self-care, donating to our wish list can go a long way towards making the lives of female clients of First Base somewhat more comfortable.”
To support the appeal via the First Base Amazon Wish List, click here, or to make a donation to the work of First Base, send a cheque payable to BHT to BHT, 144 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4PH, or donate online at www.bht.org.uk.
Whilst the amazon wishlist is a great idea for people to donate specific items it has absolutely nothing for women there, no sanitary products no underwear, unlike the men that have boxers etc. Perhaps before this was published they should have updated their wish list but surely the women’s products should be there as a standard. Perhaps the reason homeless women find support so hard to find help is the entrenched mindset even within the charities that help that homelessness = men.