Woodside Ferry ViIlage and Samelco Web Technology join a host of other firms who are supporting the Sleep Ferry Well appeal to raise money for YMCA Wirral’s night shelter

Woodside Ferry ViIlage is joining forces with Birkenhead based business, Samelco Web Technology, to support the services of YMCA Wirral in addressing the hardships suffered by the growing number of Wirral’s homeless. 

In organising the Sleep Ferry Well appeal, Woodside Ferry Village and Samelco contacted a number of businesses throughout the region to raise donations in buying much needed heavy duty army camp beds and other sundries to help homeless people sleep at the YMCA night shelter in Whetstone Lane. So far Sleep Ferry Well has raised more than £3,000.

Since the year-round shelter opened a decade ago the number of street homeless using it as a place of refuge has steadily increased, 2018 now providing a total of 4,869 bed night places to 377 men and women.

Sharon Stanton, managing director of Woodside Ferry Village, said: “Since we opened in June, we were very determined to support the services of YMCA Wirral, which offers vital services in our community which are more than just providing a warm bed for the night but is very much about life saving.

“We need to give thought to those who are not so fortunate as rough sleeping, homelessness and a cold pavement or doorway is maybe all they have. We hope the contribution of Woodside Ferry Village, Samelco Web Technology, and the many businesses which have so very kindly donated will bring some comfort to those seeking safety.

“We are indebted to the local businesses which have kindly donated, and to the dedication of Mike Walton at Samelco Automation Systems in working closely with us in this important appeal.”

Support included donations from the Cowfish Smokehouse, Low Slow and Dough, Haku Sushi, The Refreshment Rooms, and Caffe Cream, all vendors at the Woodside Ferry Village food hall.

There have been further donations from the business community given by Hoist UK, Truss UK, Russell Taylor Holdings, Finsa UK, Inteb, JD Engineering, Progress to Excellence Group, T4C Training, Oon Media, APH Accountants, A&S McKay, Jay Reynolds Pallets, Fuse Hair Hub, Dures Builders, Lawn and Weed Wirral, LS Hayden Building Contractors and Complete Warm Roofs.

Moreton based Typhoo donated a vast amount of tea products which will certainly help the night shelter provide hot drinks in the months ahead.

Nigel Hughes, chief executive at YMCA Wirral, said: “The homeless crisis in Wirral is deep and set to get worse due to social problems such as the lack of affordable housing and unemployment. Men and women can become homeless when they leave the armed forces or prison, are escaping abusive relationships or simply just can’t afford the rent.

“This is why we are so grateful to Woodside Ferry Village, Samelco Web Technology and all the local businesses for their support by funding new camp beds for our night shelter. Fifteen beds arrived before Christmas and we are now ordering additional beds and other items.”