How unwanted coats are changing lives this winter

"This year, WrapUp London will collect and distribute about 20,000 unwanted or outgrown coats and gift them to homeless charities, women's refuges and family centres. A few will also go to schools in less affluent areas in the capital as "some children turn up in the middle of winter with nothing warm to wear", says Jon Beech, chief executive of HandsOn London, which runs the campaign."

"They were told the scheme wouldn't work 16 years ago - no-one would part with a high-value item like a coat. But the first collection in 2011 gathered 2,700 garments and now, WrapUp London is one of the largest volunteering events in the capital. The mood is jovial inside the Old Oaks Community Centre in East Acton, as I am welcomed with friendly smiles."

"This community event is called Winter Health Matters, run by Family Champions, a group of peer support volunteers from the local area. Rails of coats line the room, with a very popular table in the centre, laden with children's jackets. People have been invited to come here via local networks, food banks, housing associations and other outreach organisations to browse, try on and take home a coat for free."

WrapUp London collects and distributes about 20,000 unwanted or outgrown coats each winter, gifting them to homeless charities, women's refuges, family centres and some schools in poorer areas. Donated coats are dropped at more than 80 collection points across London, checked, bagged and catalogued at a central hub in Wembley, then distributed through local charities and community events. The scheme began in 2011 with 2,700 garments and has grown into one of the capital's largest volunteering events. Volunteers and peer-support groups run events where people in need can browse, try on and take home coats free of charge.

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