A project  initiated by youth group SLYNCS hosted a ‘Feeding the Homeless’ event in Blackburn Town Centre.

The project aimed to tackle homelessness in members’ home town.

Hamza Hussain said: “Even though we do not realise it, homelessness is growing day by day, even in our town.

The event was part of a wider project on social action which was organised by a team of young people which included, Danish Hussain, Zakee Mitha, Hamza Hussain, Abdul Haseeb, Hammad Ali and Hasan Ali.

Hamza said, “What began as something of a small project grew into something bigger. We liaised with the council and local charities.

“Originally we had to pitch our idea to members of a Dragon’s Den-type panel at Bangor Street Community Centre.”

The group were awarded £100 for the project but decided to raise their own money too. After having raised another £180 from donations they visited local super markets to buy the food.

“Aldi and Asda were really good and gave us £30 discounts on the food we bought. We advertised the event at local hostels and through the Salvation Army,” added Hamza..

“On the day we fed over 140 people, we didn’t think there would that many people. This was a lot more than we expected but we were well prepared. Any excess food was donated to the charity Inspire.”

Hamza says they wanted to do an event to assist the wider community in their town.

She added: “It was good to see so many assist us in getting this project together in such a short space of time.

“A big thank you to our youth leaders Shamus Sagir and Zenab Akbar. Thanks also to Salahuddin Saleh for his help.”