As winter tightens its grip, the Messenger is backing the work of Gravesham Sanctuary as it strives to help those living at the mercy of the weather.

For those on the streets, Sanctuary’s work is literally life saving – providing shelter, food, warmth, clean clothes and advice but for the rest of us enjoying Christmas at home, can we really comprehend the true value of that help?

One man who can is author David George, 53, who has recently written for Sanctuary about his experiences of being homeless, and of how the drop-in centre in Gravesend helped him back on his feet.

Originally from Dartford, David became homeless after returning from travelling in Thailand in 2000, but was helped back on his feet by Sanctuary and is now at Mary Ann Boyle House in Northfleet. Having written a book about his experiences and gaining a Tefl (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification, he is now planning to head abroad again to teach English in Cambodia and write more books.

“The world starts to shrink when you are homeless as it becomes more and more difficult to summon up the courage to ask friends for help,” writes David.

“Combined with this increasing isolation, fear for the future can make one feel unwanted and unwelcome in normal society and psychological erosion soon starts to fester.

“I was very lucky, having lived rough only four or five weeks before using the drop-in facilities at Gravesend Methodist Church and I’m sure that my eyes, reddened by holding back tears of relief, weren’t the first seen there by the compassionate volunteers whose care and dedication certainly helped to halt the decline.

“After yet another restless night, a place where one can shower and have a coffee and chat with someone who cares, makes all the difference and gives respite to a day that starts off bad and would otherwise continue that way.

“The knowledge that someone was always there to take mail, wash my clothes, give advice and to listen was central for me to muster enough enthusiasm and grace to carry on and find a hostel place. I will always remember with love and respect, that which was shown to me by the selfless people that give so much in helping at the church.”

Anyone wanting to help out – or in need of help – can phone Sanctuary on 07496 832 228. Items can be dropped off at our office at 7 High Street, Gravesend.

Sanctuary is a project of City Praise Centre, working with Gravesend Methodist Church and Churches Together in Gravesham. Volunteers come from different churches and backgrounds, including non-religious backgrounds.

Details on how to support Sanctuary, either by cheque, standing order or via the charity’s Just Giving page can be found at www.graveshamsanctuary.uk.

Those wanting to read more of David George’s work can find his book Khama Trading: A Pretty Rough Guide to Thailand – which is available for Kindle on Amazon.