'A display of pure love' to help homeless people

A Church of Scotland deacon has organised a special "Knit Together" exhibition to raise awareness about homelessness.

Claire Herbert DCS has arranged for 139 colourful blankets to be put on display at the Lodging Housing Mission (LHM) in Glasgow to highlight what continues to be a lamentable stain on society.

They were donated by more than 30 organisations from Shetland to the Scottish Borders and will be gifted to service users on Christmas Day, who are gathering for a three-course lunch.

Each blanket is constructed of individual squares which were lovingly knitted together by a group of big hearted people who want to support those on the margins of society.

Described by one visitor as a "display of pure love", the exhibition shows the power of craftivism to make a statement and call for action to put an end to homelessness.

Mrs Herbert, chaplain to LHM, said: "This is a difficult time of year for people affected by the complex issues around homelessness.

"We want to show that at Christmas time, no one needs to feel alone or forgotten at LHM when so many volunteers gave of their time to lovingly created these beautiful gifts."

According to the Scottish Government, there were 32,242 homeless households recorded across the nation in 2022-23, containing a total of 53,111 people - 36,848 adults and 16,263 children.

Compared to the previous year, the number of adults increased by 11% and the number of children increased by 10%, in line with the overall increase of 10% in homeless households.

The exhibition is on until Wednesday, from 9am-2pm, and people who wish to visit will be given a warm welcome by staff and volunteers.

Based on East Campbell Street, LHM is dedicated to providing care and support to homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded people across Glasgow and surrounding areas.

Staff and volunteers provide them with the opportunity to get their lives back on track by enabling them to develop new skills and feelings of self-worth.

LHM serves breakfast and lunch for up to 100 guests per day.

As a member of the Diaconate, Mrs Herbert lives out her calling in the ministry of service to provide care and support to homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded people.

Congregations across the Church work tirelessly with the communities they serve to support people on the margins of society via mission outreach projects.