Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette

We had the co-founder of a fantastic local charity in our studio – Steven Stuart from Friends of Essex & London Homeless.

Steven started the charity with his wife Cheryl in December 2016, and it all came about when Cheryl suggested an evening out in London.  Steven thought that they might be going out for a theatre show or a meal – but the intention was to give out sleepless bags to the homeless.  This led very quickly to it being a regular event and the formation of the new charity.

The charity now has over 30 volunteers giving out food and clothes to homeless people.  It runs two soup kitchens every week – one in Charing Cross every Wednesday evening giving out over 130 hot dishes, and one in Grays every Friday giving out over 40 hot meals.  In addition both kitchens give out free sandwiches, cakes, drinks, soups, toiletries, clothes and sleeping bags to those who need them.

The charity has no funding and relies totally on donations from their followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and their website.  They also have an Amazon wish list on their website and Facebook page, where people can choose what to donate.

Steven’s interview with our Drive host Jo Bailey was fascinating as he explained how a little effort can go a long way, giving rise to the charity’s mantra of #kindnessiscontagious.

You can hear Jo’s interview with Steven at www.phoenixfm.com and the charity’s website is at www.foelh.com.  It’s a great local concern and if you can help in any way I am sure your efforts would be warmly appreciated.