WNSMK provides supervised overnight accommodation and meals to homeless and vulnerable people who would otherwise be rough sleeping in Milton Keynes during the coldest months of the year (November–March). We work in partnership with many churches and community centres across the city who provide their facilities as an overnight venue.
In addition to essential shelter our staff and trained volunteers provide welfare support. We enable our guests to access drug and alcohol support services, to obtain housing advice, move on to longer-term accommodation and to find work.
Covid-19 response
The end of our winter season in 2020 was like no other before it. We had to close our emergency accommodation early before the nationwide lockdown began on 23 March and urgently find our homeless guests a safe place to stay. In the weeks and months following we have been providing emergency food relief and welfare support to those who have no other source of help. This is the story of the help we provided during lockdown and beyond, made possible when the community and volunteers come together to support those in urgent need. This work was supported by public donations and funding from MK Community Foundation.
Our winter season this year will necessarily be different from our usual model. We are in the process of reviewing all operations in light of changing guidance from central and local government, and changing needs. When we are ready to launch our winter operations details will be announced here or on our Facebook page.
Concerned about someone sleeping rough?
Within Milton Keynes only:
Concerns can be referred to the Winter Night Shelter’s welfare team on 07549 609427 or by emailing welfare@winternightsheltermk.com.
Alternatively:
StreetLink is a nationwide project whereby members of the public can report incidences of observed rough sleeping and welfare concerns. Street Link will then alert the appropriate agencies to offer support. You can report a rough sleeper to Street Link via their website or calling 0300 500 0914.
Ruth's Summer Sleep Out 2020
WNSMK volunteer Ruth Legh-Smith launched a challenge at the end of March this year to sleep rough for 6 months, as a tribute to her husband Richard, who died last year. Undeterred by global pandemic, heatwaves, storms and many other challenges Ruth has been sleeping out with no tent, in a bedding kit made herself from charity shop blankets, car windscreen insulators and tarpaulin. Her final night out is 16th September. Please show your support for this amazing lady!
Could you give £3 or £5 a month?
Small, regular donations help us to provide consistent welfare support for rough sleepers
even during the summer months.
Reception café and base for daytime support services:
Unity Park Station (formerly The Old Bus Station), 401 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 1LR.
Registered office:
The Ridgeway Centre, Featherstone Road, Wolverton Mill South, Milton Keynes, MK12 5TH.
Charity Reference No. 1149480
Registered Company No. 08232340