People are being encouraged to help the homeless community by donating self-care items such as wet wipes, toothpaste, socks, deodorants, bath towels and razors.

In the two years that A Small Good Thing project has been running, more than 450 items have been donated to homelessness charity Chess for distribution amongst people living on the streets.

Founder Samia Uddin, an employee at Essex County Council is encouraging the people of Chelmsford to reach out and donate towards the project.

“It’s not about donating loads of money. It’s about giving up a small item to help someone who is at a very low point in their life” said Samia.

“I was inspired to start this project last summer.

“As I got to meet the residents from Chess during an interfaith event where food was served to some of the homeless community.

“I also had lots of homeless people coming up to me in Chelmsford town centre asking for food and money.”

A Small Good Thing has also been recognised for it’s work as it was a finalist in the Essex Who will Care? Awards in May 2018.

The Mayor of Chelmsford, councillor Yvonne Spence said: “I am delighted to support Samia, another volunteer working to make better lives in Chelmsford.

“It is a shame homelessness and rough sleeping have become such a challenge in Chelmsford, and the City Council is working hard to address both, initiatives like A Small Good Thing are very important.

“Charities like CHESS and Sanctus are hard pressed and, as the title suggests, every little helps in enabling them to do more to meet the demand, and in helping provide for those in really sad circumstances.”

Homelessness charities have reported that the figures for homelessness had risen by 169 per cent since 2010.

According to the charity Crisis, rough sleeping can have a significant impact on someone’s mental and physical health which can worsen with the stresses linked to being homeless.

If the public wish to donate, then items can be dropped off at GO30 ladies gym on 65A Duke Street Chelmsford or email Samia on samia.uddin14@gmail.com by 30th September 2018.

Donations can be picked up within the Chelmsford area.