Words by Angharad Coombes

It is often forgotten that December is not a time for festivities, parties, and family for those without a home, but is, in fact, a time of hardship, loneliness, wondering where the next meal is coming from and battling freezing conditions on the streets of Cardiff and Newport.

This is why Pier64 will be closed to the public on the 30th of December in order to provide shelter, hot food and beverages and goody bags of essentials to those who need it most. Although we recognise that this is not a solution for the rising issue of homelessness in Cardiff and Newport, Pier64 aims to set an example for other local businesses to pull together as a community, in hope that more events like this can take place to help as many people in need as possible.

This event will offer homeless people from the surrounding area an afternoon where they will be given some escapism from the unimaginable difficulties that they face. We aim to show those who often feel neglected, that the Pier64 community does care and wish to help during this difficult time of year.

Everyone will be greeted by a friendly face in a warm, homely environment. We also hope by running this event individuals will have the opportunity to be form connections with other people who find themselves in such difficult positions. Hot meals and snacks such as fresh fruit will be offered. Staff will also work on a voluntary basis to prepare, cook and serve food and drinks. A charity bin will also be placed outside the entrance to the restaurant where donations will be collected for those in need. We ask that you can spread awareness of this as we are looking for any donations from the public, from sleeping bags, coats, hats and scarfs, toiletries and those essentials we often take for granted. We recognise that homelessness. Any awareness raised for this would be greatly appreciated by those involved in faith we can spread the message that Christmas is about giving.

We also want to reach out to people in the community who are struggling or in need, these people are also welcome to come to Pier64 for this event, the doors will be open from 12noon – 4pm. We hope to gather 80 to 100 people who can enjoy the fantastic afternoon. Transport will be provided. 
Local suppliers and small businesses from the community have kindly offered free food supplies to help provide essential nutritious food for the event. We would like to take this opportunity to send a big THANK YOU for companies who are supporting the event: Seabreeze Homes Ltd, E. Ashton Fishmongers Ltd, Brake Bros Ltd, Chef’s Choice and Terry’s Patisserie. We are thrilled that we are surrounded by people who would like to involve and assist in this event.