A new journey
After 3 years of serving on to the street during Covid, the Care Centre reopened its doors in September. It now welcomes more than 65 guests each day and its services are expanding.
Stan prepares the hot lunches with Alec in the kitchen. He said, ‘Since we came into the building it’s been good - better than good - it’s been great. Because to give people hot food on a plate outside is one thing, but to have them come in and sit down at the tables - they really appreciate that and it’s how food should be served.’
From February a ukulele group is running on Tuesday mornings. On Wednesdays there is a Christianity Explored course for guests who have shown an interest in finding out more about the Bible and who Jesus is. On Thursdays it is arts and crafts, and once a month a chiropodist is coming to look after guests’ feet.
Manager Phil Ansell said, ‘We’re adding extra activities to the centre. Lots is being done to take the Care Centre on a new journey, to do new things and to give a great service to the people who come along to this place.’
One of those guests said, ‘I’ve been coming to the Care Centre for three months, more or less. When I first came I didn’t know where to turn to, what to do and I’ve found everybody here to be very supportive. They’ve gone out of their way to help and if they’ve not been able to sort it out themselves they’ve done a very good job pointing you in the right direction, never leaving you walking alone. Absolutely fantastic. For the time I’ve been coming here I’ve been homeless, no roof over my head. The good news is that by the end of this week I’ve got accommodation coming through, somewhere that actually feels comfortable, seems very secure and safe. It’ll be nice to be on a bed again!’
