Sahara Shelter gets cosy for winter

We can all feel winter coming – the chill in the air, the early sunsets, the icy mornings.

But spare a thought for those who do not have the trendiest winter comforts, particularly the women at the Sahara Shelter.

Established in 1994, Sahara is a short-term shelter that provides accommodation, meals, care plans, counselling and skills development for 22 women. Nadia Moonsamy is the facility manager of the home.

Many of the women are unemployed, disempowered by their partners and are alienated from their families. Some of the women also come from homes where they and their children have suffered physical and emotional abuse.

These circumstances can leave one vulnerable and in desperate need of comfort, care, and a safe place to call home.

The shelter not only deals with sexual abuse and drug addiction but covers the full spectrum of these women’s daily needs.

When safety and dignity are a priority, décor and decorative furnishings can play a role in restoring self respect.

A simple piece of furniture or a splash of colour on a wall can turn an already warm and comfortable home into a trendy space.

This was exactly the case at the Sahara Shelter: A donation of scatter cushions, lamps, warm comforters and curtains made the shelter cosier, but also created a cheerful atmosphere for its residents.

A simple donation of winter comforts from a business can go a long way. Which is why Sheet Street challenges other businesses to give a little warmth this winter and take on a project in their community.

Here are 4 ways to ensure you stay warm this winter

Keep your bedroom warm and toasty

Play around with different winter cotton sheets, grab a comforter and don’t forget the value of extra blankets.

The best way to get a great night’s sleep is to fit your bed with winter sheets and pillows so that you can snuggle down into soft, pastel coloured bedding.

Printed or plain blanket

A plain or printed blanket or throw is highly versatile and an easy decorative touch for the couch or the bed.

You can use plush flannel blankets, fur Sherpa and velboa fur throws to add layers to your bed as needed.

Strong cotton fabric is particularly good if you’re looking for something durable, soft and ecologically friendly.

Wrap up for winter

If stepping out of the bath in the chilly weather gives you the shivers, wrap yourself in an extra-fluffy bath towel. Keep an eye out for different sized towels – a regular size is fine for the average person, but taller or larger people might prefer a bath sheet. A good-sized bath sheet measures 86cm X 172cm.

Warm feet, warm heart

Area rugs aren’t just a way to add colour and style, they were invented for the practical purpose of keeping your floors cosy. Floors account for as much as 10 percent of heat loss if they’re not insulated, according to the National Energy Foundation.

Find the nearest Sheet Street here. You can also follow Sheet Street on Twitter , Facebook, and Instagram for the latest trends and your daily home inspiration and to check out their winter catalogue. Follow Sahara Shelter on Facebook.