Bolton: Homeless Aid UK raises concerns as winter arrives

Homeless Aid UK, which has provided a lifeline for rough sleepers in the borough since 2010, is calling for residents to help donate food and clothing to support those in need.

Founder Billa Ahmed says there has been a rise in people living on the streets in Bolton in the last year.

Homeless Aid UK founder Billa Ahmed (Image: Supplied) He said: “We have seen an increase in homelessness by 40-45 per cent in the past year or so and our operations and services are really strained."

Billa said the life expectancy for a homeless person in Britain is 45 for a man and 42 for a woman.

He also reported that there has been a "massive increase in homeless deaths, doubling since 2018".

Homeless Aid UK volunteers (Image: Supplied) Homeless Aid UK runs soup kitchens in Bolton, where those in need can find hot food, a warm smile and health care with no judgements about people's lives.

“Nurses often volunteer their time after their shift to help with the growing issue of Victorian illnesses”, Billa added. 

Volunteers serving those in need (Image: Supplied) A volunteer serving soup to help those in need (Image: Supplied) According to government data, in the North West there has been a 5.5 per cent increase in tuberculosis since 2021, to which the homeless are most vulnerable.

These are not the only risks to homeless people, as it is nine times more likely that a homeless person will die by suicide and they are 17 times more likely to be victims of violence.

Billa added: “The council are doing everything they can to help us in our efforts.

“However, manpower is not the issue, we have an amazing team of volunteers, some of which have been with us since the beginning.

"Yet we are not able to fund such a large operation without the support of the public."

If you wish to help with the growing issue of homelessness in Bolton and the surrounding area, you can donate to Homeless Aid UK, on their website homelessaid.co.uk or donate to food banks in the borough.

Whether you are homeless or in need of food and warmth, Homeless Aid UK understands help is needed for anyone under or on the poverty line.

Food, clothing, and support will be welcome to anyone who attends the food banks. There is no judgement, it is all confidential and access to additional help can be found with the knowledge of the team there.