Sara Richards (Second from left, Port of Milford Haven) presenting the cheque to Natalie Male (left), Michael Hooper and Jo Rozbalt.

The Milford Haven Port Authority has donated £5000 to Pembrokeshire Care Society this week to help buy essential rough sleeper packs for those experiencing homelessness in the community.

Rough sleeper packs are distributed to individuals who are in the need of basic items to protect them from the elements.

The packs include an insulated sleep pod, backpacks, flasks, footwear, blankets and waterproof clothing.

It’s always our aim to help rough sleepers get off the streets and into accommodation as soon as possible, however as an emergency solution the rough sleeper packs are vital in keeping people safe in the very first instance.

With 20-30 rough sleepers around the county at any one time, this donation from the Port Authority will make a huge difference as the winter weather worsens conditions for rough sleepers.

A big thank you also has to go to Trespass in Haverfordwest who provide a discount for the items purchased there, meaning the money donated can be stretched even further for more rough sleeper packs.

Another thank you also has to go to More Wealth Management who have also generously donated towards rough sleeper packs over the last few weeks.

Michael Hooper, Managing Director of Pembrokeshire Care Society, said: “I want to thank the Milford Haven Port Authority for their generous donation of £5000 this week.

“After explaining the shocking statistics of homelessness around Pembrokeshire, they were extremely keen to help us, especially as the cost of living crisis worsens and we may unfortunately see even more people facing hardship over the coming weeks and months.

“Our rough sleeper packs save lives – it’s as simple as that. This is a hugely important investment for helping homeless people as a first course of action.”