Towels, underwear and sun cream needed for city's homeless

Brighton Housing Trust’s (BHT’s) First Base Day Centre is asking for donations of towels, boxers and socks, as well as sun cream to protect the homeless during the summer months.

First Base helps homeless men and women in Brighton and Hove by providing food, showers, clean and dry clothes. It also supports rough sleepers to get off the streets.

Deirdre O’Halloran, the acting manager at First Base, said: “Something as basic as a shower, that we may take for granted, helps people who rely on First Base to stay clean and healthy.

“Your donation will make a difference to both the physical and mental wellbeing of our clients.”

On the appeal for sun cream, she added: “Sun protection is essential to the wellbeing of our clients. Homeless people are far more likely to get skin cancer than the rest of society.

“Sunbathers are generally advised to avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm. This advice is not always seen important or possible for those that live on the streets.

“By purchasing sun cream from our Amazon Wish list you are encouraging rough sleepers to be aware of their health, and will help protect them from sunburn and associated illnesses.”

Items can either be purchased via Brighton Housing Trust’s Amazon wish list, dropped off at First Base Day Centre at St Stephen’s Hall, Montpelier Place, Brighton, or at the charity’s head office at 144 London Road, Brighton.