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| Hope Leamington |
Poverty and homelessness action weekOn Saturday 31st January, Christians from across Leamington and the surrounding area met at St Peter’s for a ‘Forum’ as part of Poverty and Homelessness Action Week 2009. Since the same meeting last year, 4 task groups had been formed to look at the specific areas of
- volunteering
- weekend provision
- overnight emergency accommodation
- affordable housing
Two main projects have developed over the last year:
Saturday Friendship Group
At last year’s meeting, a need was identified for some provision for homeless people at the weekend, as Leamington Christian Mission, Salvation Army and Bath Place only operate Monday – Friday. The Saturday Friendship Group has enabled the Salvation Army to extend its drop-in facility to include Saturdays from 24th January this year. This provides breakfast, friendship and life skills coaching to homeless and vulnerable people.
Emergency Accommodation
At last year’s meeting, the need for emergency overnight provision was discussed. A survey was done which revealed at least 10 rough sleepers in Leamington at the time. The Night Shelter group has been offered Sunday nights at Bath Place Community Venture to use for emergency overnight accommodation, but the Police require an SIA trained doorman as security for the project. Due to a donation, this project is now able to start for at least a temporary period from Sunday 15th February! The Council are also considering providing a disused building to be used for this purpose on a more permanent basis.
If you are interested in participating in either project, please contact stp.jandp@talktalk.net
This is considered by St Peter’s as part of their contribution to HOPE LEAMINGTON.
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Joanne Barfoot, 04/02/2009 |