After one week’s break for Christmas, the Chichester drop-in was back in full swing for their New Year celebration. There was quite a good turn out, despite freezing weather conditions, and everyone enjoyed food together that the volunteers had provided.

While Bognor Regis drop-ins have been a bit quieter, they still provided valuable one-to-one support and a chance for regular attendees to spend time together, as well as a gentle start for new volunteers.

As a result of the cold snap, there was an urgent call-out for warm clothing and coats for beneficiaries, as the clothing store at the hotel had run out. Volunteers and people in their networks responded quickly, and donations were generous and immediate, with a huge amount given at the Chichester drop-in. The clothing store is now well-stocked with winter coats, jumpers, gloves and more, in all sizes, and beneficiaries have been able to choose the warm clothes they would like.

Sanctuary also introduced its first structured Volunteer Induction session, led by Charity Manager Kathryn Crosby and Trustee Lois Smith. Five new volunteers attended, covering a range of roles including befriending, hotel support and drop-ins. The induction programme introduces volunteers to the charity’s work, safeguarding, confidentiality and available support, and will now run regularly in both Chichester and Bognor Regis.