Ahead of launch on 8 December 2023 – No embargo
As freezing temperatures hit the UK, winter clothes initiative returns with “celebrity launch”
- Launch event – Vauxhall subway, 1pm – 2pm, Friday 8 December
“I love this idea” –
Boy George
As temperatures plummet across the UK, an innovative initiative offering help to homeless people and those facing winter hardship, will launch on Friday for its sixth winter in a row.
A simple way to help those in need, Take One Leave One rails enable communities across Britain to provide warm clothing to homeless people, rough sleepers and anyone experiencing hardship in the winter months.
Organisers send out free banners which reads “If you need, take one. If you can help leave one” to anyone who wants to set up a rail. The rail is filled and replenished with warm clothes by people living or working in the neighbourhood.
“This is a wonderful initiative,” said Baroness Jenny Jones speaking at last year’s TOLO launch. “You bring your surplus clothes down to the rail and anyone who is cold can help themselves to them.”
“The beauty of Take One Leave One is its simplicity. Anyone can set up a rail, anywhere, anytime and help those facing hardship stay warm this winter,” said Stefan Simanowitz, who set up the first TOLO rail outside a London church in 2018 and has seen more than 150 rails spring up around the UK and even spread to the US and Canada.
It is anticipated that dozens of TOLO rails will spring up this winter and some are already in action. The Take One Leave One winter coat rail has been outside London’s Wesley’s Chapel since November and – due to the cost-of-living crisis – some Take One Leave One rails – such TOLO Brighton – run all year round.
Friday’s launch event is happening in the underpass by Vauxhaul station, where a Take One Leave One rail has been running once a week since 2020. The Vauxhall rail has around 25-30 regular service users and many other drop ins and has now been formalised as part of a project of the charity, Lighthouse Education Service in Vauxhall.
“Our Friday rail has been so successful that we are opening up an indoor community space on Mondays for our service users to hang out and chat with coffee and cake in a warm space.”
Hayley Ereola, Lighthouse
“Every week we meet so many people in need and a priority for us is to be available to listen, chat, and laugh with people who have no one else they can talk to. If receiving a coat, cuppa or a smile can make a difference to someone’s day, then we count it a blessing to serve our community,” said Hayley Ereola who works with Lighthouse and who has helped set up TOLO Vauxhall.
Take One Leave One has the received the thumbs up from homelessness charities including Centrepoint, Shelter, Crisis and the Big Issue who have helped promote the project over the number of years.
TOLO has also received celebrity support with visits from Baroness Jenny Jones, music legend Guy Pratt, comedian Simon Fanshaw, actor Rob Delaney and Tweets from the likes of Gary Linekar, Emily Maitlis and band Massive Attack who helped set up and to promote Take One Leave One Bristol.
“I love this idea. Please be kind” Boy George tweeted about TOLO in 2021.
“Take One Leave One is not a charity or an organisation – it is an idea and one that anyone can adopt. Whilst it is shameful that giving out warm clothes should be necessary in one of the world’s wealthiest counties, it is also heart-warming to see how much kindess there is out there”
Stefan Simanowitz.
For more information email: – 07799650791 / stefanowitz2@hotmail.com
Lighthouse – www.l-e-s.org/lighthouse-hand-out
Wesley’s Chapel, City Road, London www.wesleyschapel.org.uk
TWITTER – @Take1_Leave1
INSTAGRAM – @takeoneleaveone_
Read the story behind TOLO’s mascot, Farringdon Bear, https://twitter.com/StefSimanowitz/status/1447161699824508929)
To order a banner contact mail@adlephigraphics.com
To find your local rail or find people who might help set one up, use the hashtag #TOLO + the name of your town/city (e.g. #TOLOBrighton) on Twitter and on Instagram
VOA – Video https://www.voanews.com/europe/mexican-idea-help-homeless-goes-global-take-one-leave-one
BACKGROUND
In early 2023, TOLO organisers approached the heads of all the main UK charity shops with a simple proposal – that they put a rail of warm clothes for homeless people outside their shops this winter. This could ensure a Take One Leave One rail on every High Street and it is hoped that charities – particularly homelessness charities, Shelter, Crisis and the Salvation Army – will get involved.
Whilst Take One, Leave One may offer some respite for rough sleepers in the coming weeks, initiatives such as this can only have a small, short-term impact. What is needed is government action. In Finland, homelessness was eliminated through its “housing first” policy which offers people who need them permanent places to call home.
SET UP YOUR OWN RAIL
1. Get a clothes rail
2. Find good location (ideally sheltered from the rain)
3. Get the green light from locals
4. Make a sign or order a banner for £30 + p&p from mail@adlephigraphics.com or contact takeoneleaveuk@gmail.comfor a free starter pack
5. Collect warm clothes and hang them on the rail
6. Contact local media (we can provide a template press release)
7. Post on social media – Set up a Twitter / Instagram site using #TOLO plus the name of your city/town/village. You can also use this hashtag (e.g. #TOLOBrighton to see if there is already a rail near you OR to find local people who might be happy to help.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 6 December 2022
As freezing temperatures hit the UK, Take One Leave One returns for 5th winter
- “If you’re cold take one, if you can help leave one” clothes rails for all those facing winter hardship
- Launch event – Vauxhall subway, 1pm – 2pm, FRIDAY 9th December with bands, speakers & celebrity guests
“I love this idea” – Boy George joins other celebrities in endorsing TOLO
As temperatures plummet across the UK, an innovative initiative offering help to homeless people and those facing winter hardship, will launch for its fifth winter in a row
A simple way to help those in need, Take One Leave One rails enable communities to provide warm clothing to homeless people and anyone experiencing hardship in the winter months.
“The beauty of Take One Leave One is its simplicity. Anyone can set up a rail, anywhere, anytime and help homeless people and anyone facing hardship can stay warm this winter,” said Stefan Simanowitz, TOLO founder who began with just one rail outside his Farringdon office in 2018.
“All you need is a clothes rail, some clothes and a sign. Everyone is welcome to help themselves to a coat, a hat, or scarf and everyone is welcome come and drop off some warm clothes.”
Over the last five years, more than 150 Take One Leave One rails have sprung up in towns and cities across the UK and even crossed the Atlantic to America and Canada. Several rails – such as TOLO Brighton launched in 2021 with Pink Floyd guitarist Guy Pratt – run all year round.
Outside of winter, TOLO banners read “If you need, take one. If you can help leave one.”
“The cost-of-living crisis has meant that there is a need for TOLO rails all year round,” says Stefan Simanowitz who, in January, approached the heads of all the main UK charity shops with a simple proposal – that they put a rail of warm clothes for homeless people outside their shops this winter. This could ensure a Take One Leave One rail on every High Street. So far, no charity shops have agreed to the plan but it is hoped that the homelessness charities, Shelter, Crisis and the Salvation Army will get involved.
Friday’s launch event is happening at TOLO Vauxhaul, that has been running on once a week, all-year-round for the last two years, and also provides food and drinks for local homeless people.
“We have a great team of dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference to people’s lives, no matter how small. One of our volunteers met us when he was homeless and now has found accommodation and now helps us out every week,” said Hayley Ereola who helped set up and run the Take One Leave One Vauxhall rail in 2020 after seeing it on Twitter.
“Some people pick up clothes and pass by. Others stay for a couple of hours and have a snack, a cuppa and a chat. Many have no other conversation all week. It is an honour to support the many friends we have met yet so sad that services like this are so desperately needed, now more than ever.
Take One Leave One has the received the thumbs up from homelessness charities including Centrepoint, Shelter, Crisis and the Big Issue who have helped promote the project over a number of years.
TOLO has also received celebrity support with visits from actor Rob Delaney and Tweets from the likes of Gary Linekar, Emily Maitlis and band Massive Attack who helped set up and to promote Take One Leave One Bristol. “I love this idea. Please be kind” Boy George tweeted about TOLO recently.
“Take One Leave One is love in action. It is not a charity or an organisation. It is an idea,” said Stefan Simanowitz. “Whilst it is shameful that in one of the world’s wealthiest counties that rails like this are so necessary, but it is also heart-warming to see how much good there is out there.”
For more information email: – 07799650791 / stefanowitz2@hotmail.com
TWITTER – @Take1_Leave1
INSTAGRAM – @takeoneleaveone_
TOLO also has a new mascot this year in the shape of Farringdon Bear, a homeless stuffed Koala who was found on a train in Farringdon Station in 2021 and whose search for his owner went viral and hit the media.https://twitter.com/StefSimanowitz/status/1447161699824508929)
Details of where to find your local TOLO rail and being regularly updated on our websitehttps://takeoneleaveone.org/
To order a banner contact (£30 + p&p) mail@adlephigraphics.com
To find your local rail or find people who might help set one up, use the hashtag #TOLO + the name of your town/city (e.g. #TOLOBrighton) on Twitter and on Instagram
VOA – Video https://www.voanews.com/europe/mexican-idea-help-homeless-goes-global-take-one-leave-one
BACKGROUND
Whilst Take One, Leave One may offer some respite for rough sleepers in the coming weeks, initiatives such as this can only have a small, short-term impact. What is needed is government action. In Finland, homelessness was eliminated through its “housing first” policy which offers people who need them permanent places to call home.
SET UP YOUR OWN RAIL
1. Get a clothes rail
2. Find good location (ideally sheltered from the rain)
3. Get the green light from locals
4. Make a sign or order a banner for £30 + p&p from mail@adlephigraphics.com or contact takeoneleaveuk@gmail.comfor a free starter pack
5. Collect warm clothes and hang them on the rail
6. Contact local media (we can provide a template press release)
7. Post on social media – Set up a Twitter / Instagram site using #TOLO plus the name of your city/town/village. You can also use this hashtag (e.g. #TOLOGuildford to see if there is already a rail near you OR to find local people who might be happy
PRESS RELEASE https://takeoneleaveone.org/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 28 January 2022
Initiative to help homeless people marks 4th anniversary with “plan to put warm clothes on every high street”
- Main launch event, Vauxhall subway, 1pm – 2pm, 28 January with bands & speakers. (Launches also in Leeds, Brighton & Manchester)
As temperatures plummet across the UK, an innovative initiative offering help to homeless people and those facing winter hardship, will mark its 4th anniversary with launches of “Take One Leave One” rails in four cities.
“I love this idea” Boy George joins other celebrities in endorsing TOLO
Boy George
A simple way to help homeless people, the initiative enables communities to provide warm clothing to homeless people and anyone experiencing hardship in the winter months. It will be launching new rails in Manchester, Brighton and Leeds and at the London launch, details will be announced about proposals to work with homelessness charity shops to put a Take One on every high street.
“For the last four years Take One Leave One rails have been sprouted in towns and cities across the UK but this plan will bring them to every high street in the country,” said Stefan Simanowitz, Take One Leave One founder.
“We have approached every heads of the main UK charity shops with a simple proposal – that they put a rail of warm clothes for homeless people outside their shops this winter. With freezing temperatures hitting, this simple idea which can be replicated on any street in the world, is trying to ensure homeless people and anyone facing hardship can stay warm.”
Over the last four years, scores of rails have sprung up across the UK and even spread to the US and Canada. Starting with just one rail, year two saw a dozen and year three saw more than 20 rails. Last winter more than 30 rails were set up and this winter, organisers hope see even more rails.
Friday’s launch event is happening at once such rail in Vauxhall that is celebrating its first anniversary. There will be speakers, (possible) celebrities and bands including Ilana Lorraine, singing the homeless anthem, Just to Feel Your Love and the Famubla Singers singing Homeless.
“We have a great team of dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference to people’s lives, no matter how small. One of our volunteers met us when he was homeless. He visited us often and was so motivated he was able to seek accommodation and now volunteers with us every week,” said Hayley Eroeola who helped set up and run the Take One Leave One Vauxhall rail.
“We see many new faces every week, but there are around 25 regulars who pop by for clothes and snacks but mainly for a cuppa and a chat. Many people can go a whole week without talking to anyone and that’s where our team can step in. It is an honour to be there each week and support those in need.”
Take One Leave One (“TOLO”) has the received the thumbs up from homelessness charities including Centrepoint, Shelter, Crisis and the Big Issue who helped promote the project on social media over a number of years.
TOLO has also received celebrity support with visits from actor Rob Delaney and Tweets from the likes of Gary Linekar, Emily Maitlis and band Massive Attack who helped set up and to promote Take One Leave One Bristol.
“Take One Leave One is not a charity or an organisation. It is an idea. An idea that we hope will be taken up by homelessness charity shops across the country ensuring we have a TOLO rail on every high street.”
Stefan Simanowitz.
“I love this idea. Please be kind” Boy George tweeted on launch day last year.
Get Involved in Take One Leave One
Make a sign or order a banner for £30 + p&p from mail@adlephigraphics.com or contact takeoneleaveuk@gmail.com for a free starter pack
Photos – Available on request
For more information Email: takeoneleaveuk@gmail.com
TWITTER – @Take1_Leave1
INSTAGRAM – @takeoneleaveone_
TOLO also has a new mascot this year in the shape of Farringdon Bear, a homeless stuffed Koala who was found on a train in Farringdon Station earlier this year and whose search for his owner went viral and hit the media. (read his story here https://twitter.com/StefSimanowitz/status/1447161699824508929)
Details of where to find your local TOLO rail and being regularly updated on our website https://takeoneleaveone.org/
FOLLOW: @tololeeds @tolomanchester @tolo_newport, @tolostoke, @tolocheltenham, @tolonewcastle, @tolobromley, @toloedinburgh, @takeoneleaveonestroud, @tolocroydon, @tolobethnalgreen, tolo_whitechapel, @tolo_enfield, @tolofinchelyroad @tolopeckham, @tolofinsbury park, @takeoneleaveoneplymouth @kingstontolo, @brixton_tolo @tolopeckham
FIND YOUR LOCAL TOLO RAIL
To find your local rail or find people who might help set one up, use the hashtag #TOLO + the name of your town/city (e.g. #TOLONewcastle) on Twitter and on Instagram
PLEASE NOTE: During the pandemic rails are fully COVID compliant with sanitisers and guidance
VOA – Video https://www.voanews.com/europe/mexican-idea-help-homeless-goes-global-take-one-leave-one
Whilst Take One, Leave One may offer some respite for rough sleepers in the coming weeks, initiatives such as this can only have a small, short-term impact. What is needed is government action. In Finland, homelessness was eliminated through its “housing first” policy which offers people who need them permanent places to call home.
For more information about homelessness contact:
Albert Kennedy Trust; Centrepoint; The Connection at St Martins; Crisis; Depaul; Homeless Link; Housing Justice; LandAid; New Horizon Youth Centre; Providence Row; Shelter; St Mungo’s; Thames Reach; The Big Issue Foundation; The Passage; The Salvation Army; West London Mission; YMCA England
SET UP YOUR OWN RAIL
1. Get a clothes rail
2. Find good location (ideally sheltered from the rain)
3. Get the green light from locals
4. Make a sign or order a banner for £30 + p&p from mail@adlephigraphics.com or contact takeoneleaveuk@gmail.com for a free starter pack
5. Collect warm clothes and hang them on the rail
6. Make sure it is fully #COVID safe
7. Contact local media (we can provide a template press release)
8/. Post on social media – Set up a Twitter / Instagram site using #TOLO plus the name of your city/town/village. You can also use this hashtag (e.g. #TOLOGuildford to see if there is already a rail near you OR to find local people who might be happy to help.
