Supporting vulnerable communities with National Highways

13th Aug 2024

Kilkern was delighted to be able to support National Highways’ initiative to provide more than 1,000 personal care items to some of the most vulnerable communities in West Yorkshire.

National Highways staff, suppliers and sub-contractors such as Kilkern have united to support people experiencing homelessness by collecting products and donating them to St George’s Crypt.

At National Highways’ offices in Wakefield and Leeds, tables were laden, and bags were filled with bottles of hair and body care products and essential personal hygiene items thanks to the generosity of donors.

Giving a speech at Wakefield’s Calder View office, Richard Leavis, corporate fundraiser for St George’s Crypt, explained those who use the Crypt’s services arrive with very few possessions, saying: “It’s often the basics that they need, such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, feminine products, the things others take for granted. We support everybody who comes to us and organisations collecting this for us really does make our job a lot easier. It is especially useful during the warmer weather.”

Based in Leeds city centre, St George’s Crypt provides food, shelter, health and wellbeing and training and engagement to people affected by homelessness. Through its Pathway service, it aims to transform lives and break the cycle of dependency and is open 365 days a year to those in need.

For those people experiencing homelessness, basic essentials can make a huge difference. Self-care and personal hygiene are directly related to reduced illness and better overall health.

National charity Crisis says the number of people sleeping rough is now 61% higher than it was ten years ago and 120% higher than when data collection began in 2010. The figures also show that street homelessness is rising among women, seeing a rise of 22% in rough sleeping last autumn (2023).

Some of the team responsible for collecting for St George’s Crypt

National Highways Customer Service Manager Ellen Harrison said: “This is an extremely important issue and we’re passionate about supporting the most vulnerable in the communities where we work. So it’s really inspiring to see how many people from our supply chain have responded to our call for donations and given so generously. They will make a big difference to so many in need across the region. This collaboration not only provides essential items but also contributes to the overall well-being of individuals in need. It’s a wonderful example of communities working together for a greater cause.

“We’re also looking at how we can continue our support for St George’s Crypt throughout the year, for example through their catering service, Nurture.”

Kilkern’s Patrick Rodgers explained that the business had always had a strong community ethos.

“We take our responsibility to the communities in which we live and work very seriously,” he said. “So we are pleased to be able to support the St George’s Crypt initiative to provide help for society’s most vulnerable.”

In addition to body care products, suppliers also provided other essentials such as socks, notepads and snacks.

Organisations which donated include:

Winvic 
Balfour Beatty
Keltbray (plus their supply chain)
M Way Comms
Kilkern
National Highways
Jacobs 
Tilbury Douglas 
MR Scaffolding
Amey 
Carnell 
Stockton Drilling 

Find out more about St George’s Crypt, and how you can support them, at https://www.stgeorgescrypt.org.uk/