Local charities, nurseries, and residents unite to help those facing hardship as the cold months set in.
As temperatures drop, charities and community groups across Bournemouth are stepping up their efforts to support a growing number of people struggling to make ends meet this winter.
Local homelessness organisations say they are seeing a noticeable rise in demand for emergency beds, food, and outreach support.
The situation has been worsened by high rents, rising living costs, and a shortage of affordable housing.
Paul McConnell, a support worker with YMCA Bournemouth, said the charity is working closely with others to make sure no one is left out in the cold.
McConnell said: “Rough sleepers are being looked after and looked out for this winter.
“We’re working with groups like St Mungo’s to get people off the streets and into somewhere safe.”
St Mungo’s charity has increased patrols in the town centre and along the seafront to identify and help those in need.
The charity’s staff and volunteers offer hot drinks, sleeping bags, and information about shelters, as well as support for mental health and addiction issues.
Community organisations are also playing their part.
Laura Overton, manager at Talbot Park Nursery, said they’ve seen families struggling too.
Laura Overton said: “Here at Talbot Park Nursery, we donate to food banks.
“The children and their parents are fantastic when it comes to bringing donations — even the ones who we know may need to use them themselves.”
Overton added: “Some of our children come from extreme poverty.
We make sure they have lunch and dinner — no child should go hungry.”
An anonymous Winton resident, who regularly uses a local food bank, said the support has been a lifeline this year.
They said: “Without the food banks, I possibly would be on the streets.
“The cost of living is so high — once I’ve paid rent and bills, there’s almost nothing left.
The food bank helps me get through the week.”
According to BCP Council, rough sleeping in Bournemouth has increased over the past year, with temporary accommodation services operating close to capacity.
McConnell said community kindness remains crucial.
He added: “Blankets, warm clothes, even a hot meal — it all helps.
No one should be facing the winter alone.”
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