AN APPEAL is urging Slough residents to donate crucial winter warmer essentials this season.

Slough Outreach, a homeless project, has been giving out hot meals in the community to give people a helping hand.

The seven-day service, run by volunteers, provides support to those who are struggling.

Throughout the pandemic, Slough Outreach was delivering between 300 to 400 meals a day to key workers.

And this winter, the project is calling on people to donate rucksacks, gloves, scarves, socks and food as part of its latest appeal.

Founder Shin Dhother said helping the community is “uplifting”.

“I think it’s great that people know where to go if they need the help, we’ve become that one-stop shop for those who are struggling,” he said.

“I struggled to find somewhere that people could go to before I set up Slough Outreach so it’s really nice to know there is now a place for individuals to come to for support.”

Mr Dhother explained he’s built a trust with a range of services who work together to help the community.

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He said: “We have a duty of care and over the last few years we’ve managed to gain relationships with guest houses, restaurants and more who support our services.”

He added individuals who used to be homeless and came to Slough Outreach previously have come back to him recently as a volunteer.

Mr Dhother said: “It’s an amazing feeling to support all these people who had given up hope and aren’t given a second chance.

“We all need to be more empathetic, if we don’t reach out and let these people reach out to us then there will be more problems in the community.”

As part of its daily service, Slough Outreach currently travels to Salt Hill Activity Centre and Langley Health Centre to deliver food to the volunteers.

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Derwin Dean, a volunteer at Langley Health Centre, thanked Slough Outreach for its services.

“It’s always nice to be rewarded,” he said.

“I think it’s great to be able to have something provided for us, especially at the end of the day, and it’s good of Slough Outreach to do this for us.

“I really appreciate everything Shin does for us here at Langley Health Centre.”