Muslims spreading christmas cheer

Homeless charity Crisis works to help rough sleepers over the Christmas period but stresses that help is needed all year around, while fellow charity Shelter estimates more than 250,000 people are homeless in England and in need of support.

Here are five practical ways you can make a difference.

1. Alert the professionals

Image copyright Birmingham Homeless Outreach Image caption  
Birmingham Homeless Outreach volunteers provide food, bedding and clothes to those on the streets
Shoppers and commuters pass by homeless people day after day but many may feel they do not know how to help. One of the simplest ways is to tell a professional.

Street Link is a government-funded service which allows people to alert local authorities in England and Wales about rough sleepers in need of support in their area.
"With the public's help, in the last 12 months we have put almost 11,000 people in touch with the support they needed to escape rough sleeping," says director Matt Harrison.  "We hope to have an even greater impact in 2017."

You can pick up the phone or use Street Link's website or app to enter details of the location, time and date you saw the person and any other information you have.

The service will contact professionals who will try to find them and help them access things like shelter and food.

2. Give time, not money

Image copyright Thinkstock Image caption  "Offer them food and if they don't take it they don't need it,"
says former rough sleeper Rik James
When someone on the street asks for money some give instinctively, while others struggle with what it might be spent on. For Rik James, who previously slept rough, money is not the answer.

"If they ask for money it's for one of two things - drugs or alcohol," says Mr James, who runs Birmingham Homeless Outreach.  "Offer them food and if they don't take it they don't need it."  It's his view that if a homeless person spends money on drugs then the person who gave them the cash is party to the substance abuse.
"Just come out with food and hot drinks," he adds. "Give them five minutes of your time, talk to them.  "I go out seven days a week with clothes and bedding. If you give them sleeping bags they just sell them."

3. Or give small things

Image copyright Thinkstock Image caption  Give a gift - a hat, gloves, or clean dry socks
If you choose not to give money to homeless people there are others things you can give to make a difference to their day.

"A lot of people doing a little is better than a few people doing a lot", is the motto of former armed serviceman Ian Northcott.  He founded Socks&Chocs in 2010 to collect warm and dry socks and chocolate for people on the streets of Birmingham.
When Mr Northcott was a soldier he often spent days in the field, tired, cold and wet. The Army insisted he put on a pair of clean, dry socks each day.
Mr Northcott says he did not realise the importance at first, but the simple pleasure of a warm pair of socks made a great deal of difference.
His charity aims to give the same feeling to homeless people struggling in the cold, along with chocolate to give them a boost.
This year the charity has given out 6,274 pairs of socks and 4,713 boxes of chocolate.
Other gift ideas which could make a difference include hand warmers, gloves, hats and books.

4. Remember furry friends

Image copyright Thinkstock Image caption  You could drop by some dog food for homeless people with canine companions
A four-legged friend can be some rough sleepers' only companion - and both owner and pet may be grateful of a kind gesture.
"If people want to help [a homeless person] with a dog by buying them some dog food, then we're sure it would always be appreciated," says Clare Kivlehan, head of outreach projects at The Dog's Trust.
She says the public could also put rough sleepers in touch with the charity's Hope Project, which provides free and subsidised veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are homeless or in housing crisis.

The project also works with hostels and housing providers to encourage them to accept clients with dogs.
Ms Kivlehan adds: "Each year [the Hope Project] funds around 1,800 veterinary treatments to help dogs remain with their devoted owners... There are now over 150 dog friendly hostels nationwide."

5. Remember the 'hidden homeless'

Image copyright Birmingham Homeless Outreach Image caption  
The old Birmingham Central Library used to provide shelter for many homeless people in the city
When rough sleepers line the streets, their plight is painfully visible. But Roger Harding, campaign director at homeless charity Shelter, says there are many, many more people whose struggles are hidden.

"This Christmas, 120,000 children in Britain will be homeless," says Mr Harding. "Hidden away in hostels; sharing kitchens and bathrooms with strangers. Sharing a bedroom with the rest of their family."
He says people could encourage those at risk of losing their homes to call their helpline, which is open 365 days a year for advice and support.
The government's Homelessness Reduction Bill introduced in October places a duty on local authorities to help eligible people secure somewhere to live 56 days before they are threatened with homelessness.

Councils must also provide those who do find themselves homeless with support for another 56 days to help to secure accommodation.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-38221721

eddie wrote:There are Siekhs in London that drive around every day in a van marked S.W.A.T (can't remember what it stands for), who give out food to the homeless.
They aren't trying to advertise anything but kindness.

SWAT HQ, Kiran House, Springfield Rd, Hayes UB4 0JT

Sen-Nin Restaurants @senninjapanese  
Amazing work. Spreading love at #Christmas with @SwatLondon @WE_Empowered thank you to the all the volunteers #chairty #feedingthehomeless

Mission Statement >
We have a vision where every person we meet knows they are loved and valued, lives safely, with respect, faith, hope and care for themselves and others, achieving their full potential and positively contributing to and transforming their communities”.
 
We work on the ethos of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings who was the first Guru of the Sikhs of:
[*]Naam Japna; remembering God.
[*]Kirat Karni; earning an honest living.
[*]Vand Kay Shako; selflessly serving others, sharing income and resources

http://www.swatlondon.com/ 

Syl wrote:....this singling out Muslims is getting very boring.

eddie wrote:So here's a challlenge for ye:

Find a Mormon one. First off the top of my head.

eddie wrote:So here's a challlenge for ye:

Find a Mormon one. First off the top of my head.

Ziz wrote:

Syl wrote:....this singling out Muslims is getting very boring.

Necessary though in order to counter Islamaphobic hysteria.

Ziz wrote:Yes, anyone with any decency would speak out against the haters and their apologists.

Handy Andy wrote:Curiously, there have been no comments from the more 'right of centre'posters on here.
I wonder why.

Syl wrote:

Ziz wrote:Yes, anyone with any decency would speak out against the haters and their apologists.

Well you don't, you actively support them.
Haters come in many guises.

eddie wrote:Exactly. That's why whenever Tommy or others say this sort of thing is just self-advertising it annoys me.
I've seen and met loads of charitable people from all different faiths - they used to donate money, toys and books to the Children's playgroup that I ran a few years ago.

Tommy Monk wrote:

eddie wrote:Exactly. That's why whenever Tommy or others say this sort of thing is just self-advertising it annoys me.
I've seen and met loads of charitable people from all different faiths - they used to donate money, toys and books to the Children's playgroup that I ran a few years ago.

Yes... and it's funny how so much is done by so many but normally never deemed important enough for the bbc to send a film crew to make an article about it...

Or not and continue to whine about the lack of coverage!   

The nice thing about this NF community, we are allowed to bring whatever topics of general interest {and meet the criteria/rules} in here for discussion ...if you don't like the News article then just stroll on by and IGNORE them ...seems a pretty simplistic solution for your issue - RIGHT? 

Ziz wrote:

Syl wrote:
Well you don't, you actively support them.
Haters come in many guises.

I do not support, finance or vote for haters - you're getting confused again.

4EVER2 wrote:

Ziz wrote:
I do not support, finance or vote for haters - you're getting confused again.

Spinning the TOPIC from the article into something that it isn't is how they twist the adult discussion into just another shit fest for their venting! 
It's what they do! 

Ziz wrote:Yes, anyone with any decency would speak out against the haters and their apologists.

Ziz wrote:This one is aimed at crediting Muslims for their sterling work and bravo to that. If certain people can't handle that then shame on them.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Ziz wrote:This one is aimed at crediting Muslims for their sterling work and bravo to that. If certain people can't handle that then shame on them.

No it's not, it's a pop at certain members here.

4EVER2 wrote:Excellent, and as with 'ALL' those types of charity groups not ever are they questioned by those NEEDY, as to their: faith - ethnicity - nationality ...but always a deeply felt & sincere TY and maybe a blessing in return!
And from the sub link in your article :

Homeless charity Crisis works to help rough sleepers over the Christmas period but stresses that help is needed all year around, while fellow charity Shelter estimates more than 250,000 people are homeless in England and in need of support.

Here are five practical ways you can make a difference.

1. Alert the professionals

Image copyright Birmingham Homeless Outreach Image caption  
Birmingham Homeless Outreach volunteers provide food, bedding and clothes to those on the streets
Shoppers and commuters pass by homeless people day after day but many may feel they do not know how to help. One of the simplest ways is to tell a professional.

Street Link is a government-funded service which allows people to alert local authorities in England and Wales about rough sleepers in need of support in their area.
"With the public's help, in the last 12 months we have put almost 11,000 people in touch with the support they needed to escape rough sleeping," says director Matt Harrison.  "We hope to have an even greater impact in 2017."

You can pick up the phone or use Street Link's website or app to enter details of the location, time and date you saw the person and any other information you have.

The service will contact professionals who will try to find them and help them access things like shelter and food.

2. Give time, not money

Image copyright Thinkstock Image caption  "Offer them food and if they don't take it they don't need it,"
says former rough sleeper Rik James
When someone on the street asks for money some give instinctively, while others struggle with what it might be spent on. For Rik James, who previously slept rough, money is not the answer.

"If they ask for money it's for one of two things - drugs or alcohol," says Mr James, who runs Birmingham Homeless Outreach.  "Offer them food and if they don't take it they don't need it."  It's his view that if a homeless person spends money on drugs then the person who gave them the cash is party to the substance abuse.
"Just come out with food and hot drinks," he adds. "Give them five minutes of your time, talk to them.  "I go out seven days a week with clothes and bedding. If you give them sleeping bags they just sell them."

3. Or give small things

Image copyright Thinkstock Image caption  Give a gift - a hat, gloves, or clean dry socks
If you choose not to give money to homeless people there are others things you can give to make a difference to their day.

"A lot of people doing a little is better than a few people doing a lot", is the motto of former armed serviceman Ian Northcott.  He founded Socks&Chocs in 2010 to collect warm and dry socks and chocolate for people on the streets of Birmingham.
When Mr Northcott was a soldier he often spent days in the field, tired, cold and wet. The Army insisted he put on a pair of clean, dry socks each day.
Mr Northcott says he did not realise the importance at first, but the simple pleasure of a warm pair of socks made a great deal of difference.
His charity aims to give the same feeling to homeless people struggling in the cold, along with chocolate to give them a boost.
This year the charity has given out 6,274 pairs of socks and 4,713 boxes of chocolate.
Other gift ideas which could make a difference include hand warmers, gloves, hats and books.

4. Remember furry friends

Image copyright Thinkstock Image caption  You could drop by some dog food for homeless people with canine companions
A four-legged friend can be some rough sleepers' only companion - and both owner and pet may be grateful of a kind gesture.
"If people want to help [a homeless person] with a dog by buying them some dog food, then we're sure it would always be appreciated," says Clare Kivlehan, head of outreach projects at The Dog's Trust.
She says the public could also put rough sleepers in touch with the charity's Hope Project, which provides free and subsidised veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are homeless or in housing crisis.

The project also works with hostels and housing providers to encourage them to accept clients with dogs.
Ms Kivlehan adds: "Each year [the Hope Project] funds around 1,800 veterinary treatments to help dogs remain with their devoted owners... There are now over 150 dog friendly hostels nationwide."

5. Remember the 'hidden homeless'

Image copyright Birmingham Homeless Outreach Image caption  
The old Birmingham Central Library used to provide shelter for many homeless people in the city
When rough sleepers line the streets, their plight is painfully visible. But Roger Harding, campaign director at homeless charity Shelter, says there are many, many more people whose struggles are hidden.

"This Christmas, 120,000 children in Britain will be homeless," says Mr Harding. "Hidden away in hostels; sharing kitchens and bathrooms with strangers. Sharing a bedroom with the rest of their family."
He says people could encourage those at risk of losing their homes to call their helpline, which is open 365 days a year for advice and support.
The government's Homelessness Reduction Bill introduced in October places a duty on local authorities to help eligible people secure somewhere to live 56 days before they are threatened with homelessness.

Councils must also provide those who do find themselves homeless with support for another 56 days to help to secure accommodation.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-38221721

There was an excellent article just recently written by a college young female college student; the perils of wearing her Habib - getting into trouble by her elders at home if she was seen/caught NOT WEARING it - getting ridiculed/harassed/threatened with violence/spit on by the American public for wearing it!

I'll see if I can find that article, it was so exhausting & frustrating that these people are being treated like this, especially the young children - the young ladies. 

Lord Foul wrote:

Ziz wrote:Yes, anyone with any decency would speak out against the haters and their apologists.

So, can one take it that both you and 4ever promulgate the notion that

"if you dont condemn you condone"  ?

Ziz wrote:This one is aimed at crediting Muslims for their sterling work and bravo to that. If certain people can't handle that then shame on them.

And here we goooooo again!  HA didn't write the News Media article ...I don't see any of the WHINERS bringing any thing of interest in here for discussion!  In fact when you look at their profile stats they really have very low bar numbers for topic starts -    But those same whiners can ALWAYS be counted on to be the first to arrive and pounce on the genre - ridicule the article - screech and flap around like it's all fakery and false printed material and just really ruin the entire topic for those of us that GIVE A RATS ASS! 

Raggamuffin wrote:So what's to discuss? Some people do a nice thing - then what?

Lord Foul wrote:nice sidestep..but I'm not thinking of the "scared"

both of you have made the point on this thread about "not speaking out"

and indeed YOU have made the point that you would consider those who dont speak out to be "indecent"

So....
do you or do  you not promulgate and support the notion that "if you dont condemn you condone"

Ziz wrote:Some people are too afraid to speak out - look to Nazi Germany or Stalin's Russia for reference - but in the UK there really is little excuse for allowing hatred to pass you by without comment.

Lord Foul wrote:funny how you (and your comrades) NEVER give a striagt answer to a straight question....


yet base sweeping attitudes upon things like

"Yes, anyone with any decency would speak out against the haters and their apologists."

I provide the above quote as evidence that indeed you do support said notion

Lord Foul wrote:funny how you (and your comrades) NEVER give a striagt answer to a straight question....yet base sweeping attitudes upon things like

"Yes, anyone with any decency would speak out against the haters and their apologists."

I provide the above quote as evidence that indeed you do support said notion

ASKED AND ANSWERED AND I DON'T THINK YOU NEED A BROKEN RECORD REJOINDER!   

4EVER2 wrote:

Lord Foul wrote:funny how you (and your comrades) NEVER give a striagt answer to a straight question....yet base sweeping attitudes upon things like

"Yes, anyone with any decency would speak out against the haters and their apologists."

I provide the above quote as evidence that indeed you do support said notion

And your REDUNDANT approach to goad a reply that suits your emotional need to ignite yet another community forum bonfire is as always ...LAME and unjust!  But it's what you do and you enjoy the ability to harangue and bully the members with your continued boring pretentious questions! 
Take your attitude and go find another ball park ...this lady isn't playing your immature games anymore!
ASKED AND ANSWERED AND I DON'T THINK YOU NEED A BROKEN RECORD REJOINDER!   

Lord Foul wrote:so ..

given that your perspective is that those who dont condemn condone


do I actually have to say anything about the O/P for instance?

since by that philosophy my silence "condones" the actions in the O/P?

or do I actually have to loudly proclaim the "good actions and loudly decry the bad"

which then leads to "who decides which or what is good or bad" and Do I have any say in said choice?

Lord Foul wrote:

4EVER2 wrote:
And your REDUNDANT approach to goad a reply that suits your emotional need to ignite yet another community forum bonfire is as always ...LAME and unjust!  But it's what you do and you enjoy the ability to harangue and bully the members with your continued boring pretentious questions! 
Take your attitude and go find another ball park ...this lady isn't playing your immature games anymore!
ASKED AND ANSWERED AND I DON'T THINK YOU NEED A BROKEN RECORD REJOINDER!   

shove it

And that is what you do best - the typical adult response ... 

Lord Foul wrote:no since that then requires the careful deliniation of just what one is supposed hate (or not) and divide from(or not)

your argument suffers from lack of specificity....

for instance, as a fairly extreme example, it would, one assumes, be OK to hate paedophiles and seek to divide them from society?

Lord Foul wrote:but then you would NEVER condemn,(since you do not condemn that which you do not hate) therby falling into the trap (by your philosophy) of condoning by default

Ziz wrote:

Lord Foul wrote:but then you would NEVER condemn,(since you do not condemn that which you do not hate) therby falling into the trap (by your philosophy) of condoning by default

I hate no-one but I condemn those that do - pretty easy to understand - condemnation does not require hate. And contributing to the overwhelming pool of hate that plagues the world does nothing for no-one.

Lord Foul wrote:

Ziz wrote:

I hate no-one but I condemn those that do - pretty easy to understand - condemnation does not require hate. And contributing to the overwhelming pool of hate that plagues the world does nothing for no-one.

condemnation requires dislike of, as a very minimum, at what point does that morph imto hate? are there shades of "hate". can one mans dislike be anothers hate?

is it fair to condemn one who speaks of his dislike of something as one who hates?
clearly we cannot be bound by simplistic dictionary definitions, which are by their very nature bound within very limited horizons

Ziz wrote:

Lord Foul wrote:

condemnation requires dislike of, as a very minimum, at what point does that morph imto hate? are there shades of "hate". can one mans dislike be anothers hate?

is it fair to condemn one who speaks of his dislike of something as one who hates?
clearly we cannot be bound by simplistic dictionary definitions, which are by their very nature bound within very limited horizons

Moral judgement does NOT require ego-centric emotions - where did you get that idea from?