Charity working in Rochdale asks for just £1.50 to protect homeless from Coronavirus

Local charity Homeless-Friendly is working to provide protective kits to homeless people during the Covid-19 crisis.

The charity says it is a race against time to create the kits for rough sleepers, who already have an average life expectancy of just 45.

Packed full of hand sanitisers, masks, tissues and plasters, the life-saving hygiene equipment is being collated by the charity, which was initially set up to ensure those of no fixed abode were able to see a GP.

In order to reach their first batch of intended patients, the charity needs to raise some cash – and donations are a small price to pay to save lives, says founder Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, a GP at a Rochdale surgery.

“Living in close proximity, with low immune systems and poor hygiene and nutrition, homeless people are remarkably prone to viruses,” said Dr Chauhan.

“We have so far been overwhelmed by the kindness of residents and businesses and have had 200 bottles of sanitiser donated to us, for example. I genuinely believe we are just a stone’s throw from saving hundreds of the most vulnerable lives in our region. So, let us all dig deep.”

 

 

Dr Chauhan has been dismissive of claims that Coronavirus affected everyone equally, he said: “Covid-19 has affected vulnerable people the most, and they don’t come frailer than the homeless. As a GP on the front line of caring for patients with the virus, I have seen what a mess the Government has made of providing personal protective equipment for the NHS and social carers. If they won’t do even that, then heaven help the homeless. We cannot just stand by and leave them unprotected. We must do our bit.”

So concerned is Dr Chauhan, that he has personally written to Boris Johnson to urge him to fund a nationwide programme of hygiene kits and screening for the homeless. 

Since its formation in 2018, Homeless-Friendly has successfully encouraged doctors’ surgeries, A&E departments, hospices, charities, businesses and even Oldham Athletic FC to become hubs of homeless help. The networks they have built up put them in an ideal place to distribute the kits safely and successfully – ensuring that items such as hand sanitising fluid is used correctly.

Dr Chauhan said: “I am so proud that our charity has acted as a conduit between rough sleepers and local authorities, the NHS and Government. We respond to their needs and their need right now is to ensure they have some protection against this virulent virus and indeed to allay their fears around contracting it. By intervening and supporting the homeless, we have a unique opportunity to show them that they matter to us and are valued members of our community.” 

A donation of as little as £1.50 will help the charity to create these protective kits.

If you are able to support Homeless-Friendly telephone 0161 371 6165 or email gail.sutcliffe1@nhs.net to make a donation.

Learn more about Homeless-Friendly at:

• www.homelessfriendly.co.uk