Rail operator c2c who is owned by Trenitalia, has this week been encouraging customers at Southend Central station to support local homeless charity HARP’s Harvest Appeal for 2023.

The appeal is asking people to donate food to the homeless in order for the charity to continue its vital service, offering long-term solutions to support people from the local area to overcome homelessness.

Homelessness affects many people and is a difficult, complex issue for those who for the most part remain hidden, sofa surfing, sleeping rough out of danger where possible or living between places when available.

The annual appeal aims to raise support for the charity and its aim to end rough sleeping whilst helping local homeless people. Over the past years, HARP has supported more than 1,000 local people in moving forward towards overcoming homelessness.

Leah Cable, c2c’s Customer Delivery Manager, set up a stand at Southend Central station with a box for both staff and customers to drop off non-perishable food and drink items for the appeal.

Leah said:

“We have many homeless people in Southend High Street, and we often use Streetlink to report homeless people who may need help to Southend Council. We really wanted to help HARP’s Harvest Appeal and have set up the donation point in the booking hall at Southend Central so staff and customers can donate non-perishable food items until the end of October. There’s also a change donation pot and leaflets with information about how HARP works in our community,”

Lisa Walton, HARP’s Community Fundraising Manager, said:

“At HARP, we aim to provide nutritious meals for our residents and guests, which we cannot do without your support. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and a key building block in overcoming homelessness.”