A Christmas warm-up

Poole homeless charity Routes to Roots hopes to raise £25,000 from this year’s Christmas Appeal, which will fund a new heating system for its new permanent centre for Poole’s vulnerably housed. The former Baptist Church in Hill Street, Poole, is undergoing extensive renovations that will convert it into a lasting ‘Place for Change’ for locals currently without somewhere to call home.

A team of dedicated Routes to Roots volunteers and trustees are calling on individuals and organisations to help them reach their target. The new building will provide a sanctuary for rough sleepers, providing warmth, food, shelter, and specialist support throughout the day.

Routes to Roots co-founder and Chairman, the Reverend Pat Southgate, who has been supporting Poole’s homeless community since the charity was first established in 2002 said:

“We are so close to realising our long-standing ambition of providing a dedicated space from which to offer a wide range of support to help some really vulnerable people make a lasting change in their lives so our Christmas Appeal this year is more poignant than ever.

“It’s heart-warming how much support we have already received from the local community and now, it’s only a matter of time before our homeless can come in and keep warm and dry.”

To help spread the word and to donate, visit and share the following link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/charity

- - -

Poole Pantry is a community collaboration of local people and organisations, helping anyone on a low income to eat a balanced and nutritional diet by accessing food at an affordable price from a membership-based community pantry.

Based at Parkstone United Reformed Church, the Pantry offers a bag of up to 10 items with a retail value of up to £15 for a suggested donation of £5, including meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and more. Additional bakery, fruit or veg items are also available.

There is a flyer here with more details.