Help for Hope Centre Ahead of Winter Freeze

Article date: 2 November 2025

The donation was made to the homeless charity by Murraywood Construction Ltd, a local groundworks specialist operating alongside main contractor VINCI Building. They are working on behalf of St Helens Borough Council and ECF - a partnership between Homes England, Muse, and L&G - which is bringing forward the town centre transformation.

In the North West of England, temperatures typically fall sharply from late October through March, with overnight lows often dropping below 0°C in December and January. According to homelessness outreach data, exposure to temperatures below 5°C can quickly become dangerous - and once it nears freezing, the risk of hypothermia and frostbite rises rapidly for anyone forced to sleep rough.

The Hope Centre works across two sites in St Helens - a base at Atherton Street and Hope House Homelessness Day Centre at 110 Crab Street.

Aside from offering vulnerable people a safe space to eat, wash, and receive support, the chairty also receives funding from St Helens Borough Council to step up provision to include overnight accommodation during periods of extreme or severe weather.

Karen Alt, a spokesperson from Murraywood said: "We were glad to have the chance to support Hope House. In many parts of the UK, you can't work in a city centre without seeing that homelessness remains an issue - and these people aren't there by choice. Something as simple as a decent night's sleep can make all the difference. You can't go for a job interview or take a step forward if you haven't slept properly."

She added: "About half of the Murraywood workforce comes from St Helens, which includes our two founding directors, who started the business here 35 years ago. We have deep roots here and feel very invested in community welfare."

Julie Hand, Manager at Hope House, said: "We're incredibly grateful to both Murraywood and VINCI for their generosity. Their willingness to support our winter provision in addition to the council funding we receive  will make a real difference to those in need during the colder months. 

"Winter is always our most challenging time. Many of our service users are also facing issues such as mental-health struggles, addiction or domestic abuse. It's heartbreaking to see people out in freezing conditions - and we'll now be better placed to help."

Councillor Trisha Long, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at St Helens Borough Council, said: "The Hope Centre performs a vital and compassionate service in our community, particularly as the cold weather sets in and during times of extreme cold when the centre receives council funding to provide a safe, warm space as part of our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol. Hope Centre also receives funding from St Helens Borough Council to step up provision to include overnight accommodation during periods of extreme or severe weather.

"The charity's work year-round offers a lifeline to vulnerable people - and this donation shows what can be achieved when local organisations pull together for the good of others.

"The regeneration of our town isn't just about buildings; it's about building community spirit. I want to thank Murraywood, VINCI, and all the partners involved for showing that compassion and collaboration are at the heart of St Helens' future."

Matt Whiteley, Senior Project Manager for ECF, said: "We're committed to ensuring that the regeneration of St Helens delivers meaningful social impact throughout the build programme. VINCI - and in this case, Murraywood - are great examples of that in action. Supporting organisations like The Hope Centre reflects our shared commitment with the Council and our delivery partners to make a positive difference in the community. As we move forward with the town centre's redevelopment, it's important that our work continues to create opportunities and support for those who need it most."