Give a Coat, Warm A Heart

London is often seen as a city of opportunity, yet behind the skyline lies a harsher
reality. According Trust for London, around 2.3 million
Londoners live in poverty, including around 700,000 children—that’s one in three.

‍Shelter further reports that over 4,000 people are sleeping rough and over 130,000 households are living in temporary accommodation. These figures don't include all of those who are homeless that are not known about and recorded.

But out of this challenge comes something remarkable. Every winter, around 1,500
volunteers unite for WrapUp London, a HandsOn London project now celebrating
its 15th year.

Together, we collect, sort, and distribute thousands of warm coats for
those most in need, helping people stay safe through the cold months. Running from the
3rd of November to the of 19th December, volunteers collect donations at major tube stations, host local and workplace coat collections, and work at our Wembley sorting
hub—checking, packing, and preparing coats for delivery to over 90 partner
charities.

In a city where poverty too often isolates, WrapUp London brings people together. It
shows that while the statistics are daunting, the human response is powerful. Each
coat passed on is more than warmth—it’s a symbol of care, solidarity, and hope. And
with 15 years of impact, WrapUp London proves that even small acts, multiplied by
many, can transform lives.

By Didi Masie