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About the Project
Since 2018, Get Rid of and Donate has been actively supporting rough sleepers across London with Essential Life Bags, filled with the basic necessities to survive life on the streets.
To date, we’ve distributed over 3,500 donated items, including tents, sleeping bags, waterproof clothing, toiletries, duvets, jackets, and warm shoes, all generously provided by our local community who continue to stand with us.
“We look forward to our visits to Central London, giving back to the community with love from the community.”
— Andrea Brown, Project Director
We are proud to collaborate with the Crisp Packet Project (CPP), a grassroots initiative that transforms waste into lifesaving items such as survival sheets, bivvy sleeping bags, hats and neck warmers. As CPP says,
“The project doesn’t just help our less fortunate souls on the streets, this project helps people to be productive and give people a sense of purpose.”
Through partnerships with local schools, we also engage young people in environmental action by collecting and donating used crisp packets. These are passed on to CPP to be upcycled into life-saving thermal items for those sleeping rough.
Together, these efforts form the heart of the Rough Sleeper Project, making a real impact through dignity, compassion and community-powered solutions.
What We Do
Supporting London’s Rough Sleepers with Urgent Essentials and Compassionate Outreach
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Distribute Essential Life Bags
We prepare and distribute survival kits with coats, hats, gloves, socks, sanitary products, food, toiletries, and sleeping bags.
Street Outreach
Our volunteers visit known rough sleeping areas, offering immediate support, information and referrals where appropriate.
Partner with Local Services
We collaborate with councils, housing support and other organisations to coordinate efforts and amplify impact.
Why It Matters
Homelessness is a complex issue, but dignity is simple.
At Get Rid of and Donate, we believe no one should be left behind, especially those with no safe place to call home. Our Rough Sleeper Project provides immediate, compassionate support to individuals living on the streets by offering life essentials that restore warmth, health and humanity.
Here’s why this work is more important than ever:
Homelessness in London is Rising
According to Shelter UK, more than 100,000 people in London are currently experiencing homelessness, including those in temporary accommodation or sleeping rough with the average equating to 1 in every 58 residents. In boroughs like Westminster or Newham, the figure rises dramatically to around 1 in 23. Each number represents a person without safe, permanent housing, a crisis that affects families, children and vulnerable individuals across the city.
Cold Weather Can Be Life-Threatening
Rough sleepers are extremely vulnerable to cold, damp and changing weather conditions. Without warm gear, waterproof clothing or access to shelter, they face serious risks including hypothermia, respiratory illness and even death during winter months. Our Essential Life Bags help protect people during the harshest seasons.
Hygiene Is About More Than Cleanliness, It’s About Dignity
The lack of access to showers, menstrual products and basic toiletries makes it harder for rough sleepers to seek support, apply for work or even feel seen. Hygiene is linked to self-esteem and safety. Providing even small items like soap or toothpaste can significantly improve a person’s wellbeing.
Daily Life Brings Constant Exposure and Uncertainty
Those we support often face a daily cycle of hunger, isolation, exhaustion and exposure to the elements, especially those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), who are ineligible for many government services. Our outreach brings comfort, conversation and care, where there might otherwise be none.
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Small Comforts,
Big Impact
A warm coat. A sleeping bag. A clean pair of socks. These items may seem small, but they mean everything to someone sleeping outside.
Your support powers this work, whether it’s through donating items, giving funds, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can provide more than essentials, we can offer dignity, compassion, and a lifeline of hope.
Impact So Far
1000+
Essential Life Bags distributed across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham
Over 2,500
donated coats, scarves, shoes, and sleeping bags shared since 2020
150+
rough sleepers supported through community referrals and ongoing outreach
8
key locations reached across South London, expanding our impact and accessibility.
Get Involved
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Volunteer to support food prep or logistics
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Donate ingredients or kitchen supplies
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Sponsor a meal or cultural cook-along session
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Make a Monetary Donation
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