WE take a look back to 2009 when this story about a fund-raising event for homeless people in Helensburgh first appeared in the Advertiser.

**********

A FUND-RAISING event to help the increasing number of homeless people in Helensburgh made more than £500.

The coffee morning was organised by the interchurch group which collects and makes up well being packs.

One of the organisers, Elizabeth Sammon, said: “It was absolutely great and there were a lot of people there.”

The Well Being Pack scheme was started in Helensburgh to help out over the festive season when there is normally an increase in homelessness.

However, the group heard that more than 20 people are made homeless in Helensburgh and Lomond every month and the figure is expected to rise as the credit crunch bites so they decided to continue the scheme.

The well being packs are designed to provide those suddenly made homeless with some essentials for personal care and hygiene like tooth brushes and toothpaste, sanitary items, soap, deodorant and shampoo as well as razors, shaving foam and disposable nappies.

Elodie Mignard of Scottish Churches Housing Action, who helped set up the scheme, said: “Homelessness can happen to anyone and has far reaching implications for everyone involved, including children.

“Breakdown in relationships, unemployment, ill health and fleeing domestic abuse can lead to people becoming homeless and it can impact on their health and wellbeing.”

She continued: “The well being pack project will make a big difference in Helensburgh and Lomond by helping single people and families and we would encourage people to support this initiative.”