Our preparations for Caring at Christmas, often beginning in late summer and early autumn, are a reminder to us that the winter season is on its way. The Christmas project depends on the incredible effort of our small Christmas team, and hundreds of volunteers. Although it is only for one week, it is a week where many services and resources are either closed or at reduced capacity. The wraparound support provided, including nutritious food, clothing, festive activities, and physical and emotional wellbeing services. Having a warm, safe, friendly space to visit is something that everyone deserves, and we are committed to being there for people experiencing the loneliness and challenges of homelessness and housing insecurity.

As the 2025 Caring at Christmas came to a close, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated in Bristol. Like any other period during the winter months, our SWEP volunteers were standing by to set up emergency accommodation in community venues for people sleeping rough. This life-saving measure occurs when temperatures drop below freezing for several days. Our volunteers create a safe and welcoming environment for guests who are guided to the spaces by the St Mungo's Outreach Team who are out on the streets making contact with those at risk from harsh conditions.

Reaching and Preventing

For most people who experience homelessness, there have been many contributory factors leading up to it. At Caring in Bristol we believe that homelessness is not inevitable, and the prevention work that is woven through all aspects of our work demonstrates this. Tackling the issues that create housing insecurity as early as possible means the people we work with never have to find themselves pushed out onto the street, or stuck in temporary accommodation. Our Early Doors team are expert at looking for the red flags that can lead to homelessness, and committed to finding solutions.

Rights and Resources

This year, the Early Doors team will meet many people in the city whose housing is becoming increasingly insecure, but are not aware of the rights and resources that will turn their situation around. Working with our Housing Rights Support Workers, more people will find that turning point. Some of those people will find us through word of mouth, or searching for support. Some of the others will be found by us. Working closely with community members in the neighbourhoods where we work means that we are able to reach out to people who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the system.

2026 will see the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act, and along with the Early Doors team, we're looking forward to the positive impact of this, and a reduction in levels of housing insecurity and homelessness.

Gateway to Support

The pressure that pushes people towards housing insecurity intensifies during winter. Additional heating and eating costs, clothing and travel expenses, all add to the challenges that people face, especially when not backed by an adequate income, savings, or a support network. Our food-led project, Bristol Goods assists people with access to good quality and low-cost foods. For a small subscription, members are able to access ambient and fresh foods that help their income go further. This is just the start; Bristol Goods is also a gateway to information, advice, and support that pushes back against housing insecurity, insulating people against homelessness. 2025 saw an increased demand for this service, and in 2026 we continue to work hard to maintain and expand our work to meet these needs. It's worth noting that Bristol Goods uses a food club model, and is different from a food bank. They create a community space, and members look forward to meeting each other, taking time to connect and provide mutual support.

Community Solutions

Our community focus will continue to be a vital part of our work as we embark on a new year. It's essential to us that we listen and understand what the people we work with need, and are empowered to determine the best solutions for challenges around housing insecurity and homelessness. Early Doors also creates a space for community co-production to do just that. These groups will continue in 2026. Meeting regularly to share updates, to explore current issues, and think about the authentic solutions that can be implemented.

Emergency Response

The colder months highlight the absolute necessity of shelter. Our basic needs tell us that we need to be safe and warm, but homelessness is a threat to this. Our emergency youth shelter, known as the Z House, provides young people experiencing homelessness with an overnight place to stay. It's more than warmth and safety. It also provides young people with the support and advice that they need to secure appropriate housing on a firm footing.

Keeping Connected

Life is increasingly complex, and the many systems we all depend on can be a challenge to navigate at the best of times. Younger people may not have the knowledge or confidence to use them effectively, but our Project Z team provides floating support to empower young people to succeed in reaching their goals. It's easy to think that once someone is housed their issues with homelessness and housing insecurity are over. This isn't the case. Homelessness is destructive, stripping people of dignity, skills, and confidence. These all have to be rebuilt. The winter months can be isolating, but our Youth Practitioners are there for their young people to maintain their progress. They also create a social space, working with Bristol Goods, to provide food, support, and connection.

Volunteering Impact

So much of our work couldn't take place without our wonderful volunteers. They support Caring in Bristol in so many ways. This includes the hundreds of Christmas volunteers, the SWEP volunteers, our trustees, and community members who help to deliver the projects in their neighbourhood. As our work intensifies in these colder months, they really do make an incredible difference in increasing the scope of what we can deliver, and the impact that this has.

As we plan and deliver our work for the winter and for the next few years, we acknowledge the incredible support that we receive from so many different directions. Whether this is project funding, volunteering, corporate and community support, or individual giving, we deeply appreciate it. It enables us to reach more people, and create an even bigger impact. We love Bristol, and the people who call it their home. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in our commitment to pushing back against homelessness and housing insecurity. We are stronger when we do this together!

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