Every Contribution Helps

BY Clare Wilson, HARP’s Head of Communications.
Many of us enjoy the sunshine, but for people sleeping rough, periods of extreme heat can be dangerous. During the recent heatwave, HARP activated its emergency night shelter to help keep people safe at night. Imagine being out in the thunderstorms, suddenly soaked through in the middle of the night.
As temperatures stay high across South Essex, at HARP, we’re asking our community to look out for those who may be sleeping outside. Without access to shade, drinking water or somewhere cool to shelter, hot weather can quickly become a serious health risk.
Our outreach teams continue to support people throughout the heatwave, helping them access accommodation, practical support and a route away from homelessness. But we can’t be everywhere.
What to do if you see somebody sleeping outside?
If you see someone sleeping rough, please don’t just walk past. If you’re able to, offer them a bottle of water and check they’re okay, please do. You can also report their location to StreetLink (thestreetlink.org.uk) so our outreach team can find them and offer support. If someone appears seriously unwell, becomes confused, collapses or is unconscious, call 999 immediately.
A few small acts of kindness can make a real difference, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to look out for others.
The recent spell of hot weather is also another reminder that climate change is something we all need to take seriously. We can all play our part, whether that’s reducing waste, recycling more or finding new ways to reuse the things we already have.
That brings me to an exciting new venture at HARP – HARP Made.
At HARP, we believe creativity has the power to transform not just materials, but lives. Through our THRIVE recovery programme, participants take clothing that would otherwise be discarded because of stains, tears or damage, and give it a completely new lease of life. After washing, dyeing and redesigning each item, they’re turned into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
More importantly, the project is about people. Learning new skills, building confidence and discovering creativity helps individuals rediscover strengths they may have forgotten they had. Every finished piece tells a story of resilience as well as sustainability. We now have a dedicated HARP Made area in our Hamlet Court shop, with more planned across our stores.
It also reflects a wider change in how many of us think about shopping. Charity shops are more popular than ever because you never know what you’ll find.
Buying second-hand doesn’t mean we never buy new, but it does help tackle one of the biggest environmental challenges we face. Globally, 120 million tonnes of clothing were discarded in 2024. Donating clothes and household items instead of throwing them away means they can be reused, repurposed or recycled, helping both people and the planet.
Across HARP’s shops we’re seeing growing interest in everything from furniture and vintage clothing to books and homeware. One of our most popular stores is the HARP Media shop on Leigh Broadway. Packed with vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, games and memorabilia, it’s a real treasure trove for music lovers and collectors alike.
What else is happening at HARP?
Elsewhere, the end of June saw our biggest-ever HARP24 challenge take place at Cherry Orchard Park. Now in its 13th year, the annual 24-hour endurance event welcomed more than 350 runners despite the soaring temperatures, with a small number understandably choosing to defer because of the heat.
We’re hugely grateful to everyone who took part, and especially to Leigh Striders, whose support helped establish the event all those years ago.
Thanks to the incredible support of participants, volunteers and sponsors, this year’s event has raised almost £50,000 to support HARP’s work. Next year’s event will take place on 26 and 27 June.
Looking ahead, we’ll soon be launching our annual Harvest Campaign. Every year, schools, community groups, businesses and local organisations collect food donations that help stock our services for the months ahead. If your school, workplace or community group would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Just email [email protected]!
HARP supports more than 1,000 people each year, and none of it would be possible without the generosity of our volunteers, supporters, donors and the wider community. Whether you donate, volunteer, take part in an event or simply look out for someone in need, every contribution helps. Thank you for continuing to support us.
For further information visit: https://harphomeless.org
Pictures: Clare Wilson, HARP’s Head of Communications & HARPMade Creative Threads Launch
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