Christmas appeal

Sir,

I have just come back from London having attended my Crisis at Christmas key volunteer training.

Mental health awareness was a big part of the training this year as our services struggle to cope with this massive issue within our society.

Homelessness is on the increase, and as we continue with austerity, it will only get bigger.

Although it started predominantly in London, Crisis is now a year round charity and is moving out, to many major cities and will have a Welsh presence in the future.

In my years of volunteering for Crisis, I have met many people with family back in Wales and probably Pembrokeshire, although once someone is aware you are from West Wales they are reluctant to reveal their connection due to the worry that their situation may be revealed back home.

I am undertaking on the job training this year to assist me to be able to run centres in Wales in the future.

Once again, I am asking for a little bit of kindness from yourselves, and, although I am not going to eat raw eggs again, it would be great if you could donate packs of pants and socks. Any size any gender.

The difference this little bit of luxury brings is difficult to comprehend for ourselves.

The collection point will be Clarice Toys in Upper Frog Street and it will be available from Sunday, December 11.

Gary Tapley