Muslim Aid has launched its annual UK Winter Programmes, delivering life-saving support to people facing homelessness, poverty, displacement, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis during the coldest months of the year.
This season, Muslim Aid will reach at least 5,000 individuals experiencing street homelessness and vulnerable families across Leicester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bradford, and Luton, providing warmth, nourishment, and dignity to those most at risk.
The launch comes as Met Office analysis highlights the growing likelihood of volatile winter weather in the UK, including sudden cold snaps, heavy rainfall, and disruptive conditions. Such volatility disproportionately affects people sleeping on the streets, families in fuel poverty, and those living in insecure housing.
By combining emergency relief with strong local partnerships, Muslim Aid’s UK Winter Programmes aim to reduce the immediate risks posed by extreme and unpredictable weather while ensuring people are not left isolated during periods of disruption.
Expansion into Wales marks a major milestone
This year marks a significant milestone for Muslim Aid’s UK work, with the expansion of winter services into Wales for the first time, responding to rising need among refugees, asylum seekers, and people experiencing homelessness.
In Cardiff, Muslim Aid is partnering with Huggard, a homelessness charity, to provide emergency winter clothing to people living in temporary accommodation. The charity is also working with Oasis, a refugee and asylum seeker centre, to deliver thousands of hot meals, offering both practical relief and a vital sense of community during winter.
On the ground across Britain
Across Britain, Muslim Aid is collaborating with trusted local organisations to deliver a comprehensive winter response. Partners include Help the Homeless in Leicester, Poverty Relief Project in Glasgow, In-Touch Foundation in Bradford, and Luton Food Bank in Luton. Together, these organisations are distributing winter clothing packs, food parcels, hot meals, hygiene kits, and sleeping bags to individuals sleeping on the streets, families living in poverty, and people affected by displacement.
Bethany, an aid recipient in Leicester, said: “I’ve been coming here ever since they’ve had the office next to the police station, four years ago. They’re really good and supportive. They help with housing if you’re homeless, food if you have no money, education and training, and even immigration issues. They helped me get proper housing, and now I have my own property. I’m really grateful – never give up.”
“As winter pressures increase and statutory services remain stretched, our UK Winter Programmes ensure that people are not left to face the cold alone,” said Lucy Rae, UK Programmes Lead at Muslim Aid.
“With forecasts pointing to a more unpredictable winter, the need for timely, local support is greater than ever. By strengthening partnerships, expanding into Wales for the first time, and working alongside other charities through initiatives such as Light the World, we are committed to standing in solidarity with those most affected by winter hardship in the UK and globally.”
Arif Voraji, founder of Help the Homeless Leicester, reflecting on the charity’s Christmas lunch for people experiencing homelessness, said: “Days like today are very important because they provide some sense of normality for people who may not experience this kind of thing. People who may have lost connection with family or support around them need to feel welcome in a place like this. The support we have received from Muslim Aid – I honestly can’t thank them enough.”
