Vote for Huggard and Help People who are Homeless and Sleeping Rough

This August, we have the amazing charity Huggard taking part in our monthly charity poll. Huggard is Wales' leading centre for people who are homeless and sleeping rough and they are taking part this month in the hopes of winning a donation.  It is free to vote at My Favourite Voucher Codes for the charity that you want to see win, and the charity that wins get an amazing donation of 20% of our profits.  Open 24/7, Huggard works with individuals living on the streets, sofa surfing or are homeless in Wales’s Capital City.  Set up more than 35 years - its specialist services are needed more today than they ever were!

What does Huggard Do?

Huggard is a small charity with a big job working tirelessly to help anyone who is homeless and sleeping rough in Cardiff.  It offers a safe, welcoming space for people who have no-where else to go.  Situated close to the city centre, Huggard has two onsite hostels as well as emergency accommodation and a Day Centre where clients can access a range of specialist support services, including its award winning Substance Misuse Service.    

What Services does Huggard provide and what campaigns is it  involved in? 

On average - 130 people use its facilities every day. 

Everyday essentials: They can get something to eat and drink, take a shower, wash their belongings or find a clean change of clothing.  Huggard is not a soup kitchen and staff work around the clock to provide clients with the very specialist support they need.  Help in obtaining and sustaining long term work and accommodation, in accessing health care, as well as finding ways of coping with the traumas that led to them becoming homeless or have trapped them into remaining on the streets.  

Activities: There are also daily “diversionary” activities such as art classes, gardening and yoga sessions.  Each is designed to encourage clients to engage with staff, to open up about themselves, as well as providing clients with a much needed break from their every day existence.  They are also encouraged to socialise, by helping out around the centre and to take part in local activities, such as litter picking. 

Ongiong support: It is ongoing support which is very much in demand by the people who use Huggard’s services.  A great many of its clients grew up in care, have chronic unmet mental health needs, faced bereavement or are the victim of violence and abuse which has pushed them towards negative coping strategies.  

The vast majority (98%) have sought medical help for depression - most (85%) have an addiction to alcohol or illicit substances, often choosing to “self medicate” in a bid to protect themselves from the pain they feel.  

Ever since Huggard was set up, the charity has campaigned for an end to homelessness, for early intervention to prevent people from becoming a danger to themselves and to those they care about.  

It’s a struggle yet to be overcome, however, Huggard never says never and will continue to strive for an end homelessness. 

How Can I Support Huggard? 

Thank you for thinking of Huggard and it is very easy to support Huggard.  You can vote for the charity by taking part in the poll on our Homepage.

Voting is completely free.  The poll is on the right hand side of the home page on a PC or at the bottom, if using a mobile phone.  Look for the Cast Your Vote section, click on the small circle next to Huggard and press the vote button.  

You can also donate at just giving.com/huggard or organise your own fundraising activities, such as putting on a concert or taking part in a sponsored event.  You can also help Huggard with its appeal for clothing and other items as well as become a volunteer in the Day Centre.  There is a lot more information at huggard.org.uk/how-you-can-help

How Can I Find Out More About Huggard?

You can read about what Huggard does and why at huggard.org.uk  - follow it on Facebook @huggard14) X, Instagram and Threads @HuggardCentre as well as LinkedIn @Huggard. 

Before you go…

Everyone who come’s through Huggard’s door are people who once had dreams and plans for their future.  People just like you.  Not one of them choose to become homeless.  Not one of them want to be sleeping rough.  To be lying in a cold, dirty and unsafe doorway - ignored by those hurrying past. 

Huggard is there for them - however, it needs your support if it is to be there 24/7 for as long as it takes to end homelessness.  Thank you for reading Huggard’s blog and for your support.