The QEII Centre has collected over 200 coats to help warm up the capital’s most vulnerable people this winter.

Central London’s leading conference and events venue partnered again with charity HandsOn London to serve as Westminster’s dedicated collection point for its WrapUp London campaign, which provides a warm coat to anyone who needs one.

With two-thirds of adults in Britain reporting their cost of living has increased, WrapUp London’s campaign is more important than ever this year.

In London, where nearly half of the country’s rough sleepers are, donated coats are distributed via homeless shelters, refugee centres, organisations supporting the elderly, women’s refuges, children’s centres, and other charities helping people in crisis.

Since commencing work with HandsOn London in 2018, the QEII has collected over 4,000 coats for the charity.

Diane Waldron, director of sales and marketing at QEII, said: “HandsOn London’s annual WrapUp London campaign is a vital lifeline – particularly for those who are struggling this winter. The QEII Centre is proud to continue serving as a valuable part of this campaign that aims to get a warm coat to every individual who needs one and is thankful to every person who showed their support. During the two-week collection in November, we welcomed coats from visitors, staff as well as passers-by.”

Jon Meech, chief executive HandsOn London, said: “It has been wonderful partnering with the QEII Centre again this year. Having a collection point in the heart of Westminster is a dream for us and for people in the area who wish to donate a spare coat. Two hundred people are going to benefit from the generosity and time given by the QEII Centre – thank you.”