The efforts of a Watford-based charity have been hailed as “a brilliant example of the kindness and generosity displayed up and down the country” by a government minister.
Steve Barclay visited Hand on Heart on Wednesday to see the work that is going into Hand on Heart’s biggest campaign to date, the distribution of 1,700 packs of essential items to rough sleepers, asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster met some of the organisation’s volunteers and led a round table discussion with Muslim-led charities from Hertfordshire and North-West London regarding the support required to continue serving rough sleepers and the vulnerable. Watford MP Dean Russell – a Hand on Heart volunteer and supporter – also shared examples of the work and collaborative efforts of Watford-based charities.
Mr Barclay said: "Communities across the UK have led the way in the support effort for Ukraine, opening up their homes to thousands of refugees and coming together to provide essential care packages.
"The work of the Hand on Heart Trust, to mobilise over 400 volunteers from across Watford and the surrounding areas this Ramadan, is a brilliant example of the kindness and generosity displayed up and down the country.”
The packs - containing items including a t-shirt, underwear, a toothbrush, deodorant and a blanket - are being distributed during this month and early May at 25 locations, including Watford, central London, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Northampton, Bristol and Southend.
Hand on Heart has partnered with Beta Charitable Trust and 22 charities – including homeless shelters and food banks – to distribute the packs.
The charity’s co-founder Afzal Pradhan said: “At Hand on Heart, we recognise the importance of supporting those in poverty and hardship on our doorstep here in the UK. We believe in the attitude of gratitude of humility. We strongly believe the opportunity to serve in humanitarian aid has been given to us by the grace of God.
“During the pandemic, we developed an approach to help thousands of vulnerable people. It was through collaboration with other charities and the support given to us by our dedicated volunteers helping from the safety of their homes. This has allowed us to perform campaigns serving homeless and vulnerable across the UK in a short time, and to build a community of support and togetherness.”
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