In an ideal world, there would be no homelessness, poverty and hunger. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that in London alone there are many thousands of homeless people and even worse, a good proportion sleep rough on our Capital’s streets.

In 2007, in lieu of buying family Christmas gifts, our family purchased 100 or so sleeping bags and gave them to a homeless charity. In 2008, along with a friend, two of my five sons clubbed together to buy well over 150 sleeping bags, plus the ingredients to make sandwiches and cups of soup. In two vans 10 able bodies spent 8 hours out and about in the Capital, distributing this warmth and sustenance.

It was a cold and very wet January night. We set out at about 19:00 Saturday evening and would eventually return at about 03:00 Sunday morning. We too were cold and wet, but we had managed to distribute most of our wares to many appreciative men and women. Whether these folk are drug addicts, alcoholics, migrants, mentally ill or just out of luck is immaterial; all of them can do with a lift and that’s just what we aimed to give.

One poor fellow really stuck in my mind. I would guess that this chap (from Ukraine) who was about 5’3” tall, dressed in a jumper, jeans and trainers (no socks) was asleep, curled up like a cat in a cardboard box.

Because of the above and because we can do so much more, I, along with my sons and friends, have formed STREET SOULS under the primary umbrella of the Coombe Trust (click here for further details). Our aim is to make life just a little better for some of London’s homeless.

Although STREET SOULS is aimed at involving younger folk, anyone may participate. Initially we will make two street distributions in November and January. Many help over the Christmas period but little is done during the other winter months. Our aim is to help 500 in our first year.

It costs nothing to join. All we ask is that you help with our fund-raising, or participate in the street distribution, help make soup and sandwiches, or make a van available for a day- we have 2, we will need 10. Anything else to help our cause would be much appreciated. We already have a couple of young ladies who will be running ‘boot sales’ to raise funds for us and another who has offered to donate £5 from her £12 per week pocket money for a year. That act of kindness alone will help over 20 souls.