'Kindness Angels' helping city's rough sleepers

Inside a cold pavilion at King Edward Park in Nottingham, volunteers gather to pack care bags for people sleeping rough across the city.

The group, known as Kindness Angels, includes former rough sleepers who now want to give "hope and optimism" to others in the position they once faced.

Over the past year, the group has met regularly to pack "care and snack bags" containing "notes of kindness" ahead of outreach sessions supporting those sleeping rough in freezing temperatures.

Organiser Kerry Warwick said: "A random act of kindness can improve anyone's day. That's what life is all about, making people smile."

Warwick, from Sneinton, said she began helping the homeless about six years ago after her daughter asked to help someone sleeping rough outside a Santa's grotto event.

"My daughter said she wanted to buy the man a scarf, a hat and gloves, and since then I have always helped the homeless," said the 42-year-old.

The Kindness Angels are able to pack about 100 drawstring bags full of basic hygiene items, clothing and food.

"Each bag contains hats, scarves, gloves, socks, jumpers and basic hygiene products, including sanitary towels for women," said Warwick.

"All items are donated by residents and businesses from Sneinton, Bakersfield, Colwick and Carlton."

Wearing hi-vis jackets, the group pushes around trolleys full of care bags for those who need one in Nottingham city centre.

Homeless support charity, Framework, said it found 44 individuals sleeping rough in Nottingham city centre on 9 January.

In addition, there were 21 people using Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) accommodation at the time of the count.

"As well as taking bags, we talk to them because they are human," said Warwick.

"People walk by them all the time thinking they only want money; they want conversations, too. Even asking them 'how are you' can change their day.

"We always get a good reaction. All they want is someone to show some love and kindness."

Paula Cope said she became homeless in 2011 and now wants others to give homeless people "a chance".

"I was homeless and I understand how it feels when you have no self esteem," she said.

"I just want to show them that they are worth something and are worth caring about."

Cope's partner, Annmarie, has also experienced what it is like to live on the streets and said the care bags are "much needed".

"We hope Kindness Angels turns homeless people from being invisible to being visible," she added.

"Unity commands a blessing. We can bless those on the streets who have gone through all the trials and tribulations of life and we want to make that period easier for them."

"I was homeless, I've been a drug addict, I've been an alcoholic, I've been the person that they are.

"I want to give back what I felt when my life went back on the up."

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