West Bridgford-based Charity the Friary have launched their 2022 Winter Appeal.
CEO Ben Talbot feels that the cost of living crisis will just increase the challenges of those most in need and the Friary services are more important than ever.
‘It is the support of staff and volunteers at our day centre that gives our visitors the encouragement to tackle issues such as addiction, health worries, debt and housing.
‘To many who access our services, we are the only emotional support network they have. Keeping the centre running during these difficult times is crucial to the wellbeing of those who come through our doors.
‘We are here all year round but the Winter is the time that our services are most accessed.
‘We provide practical and emotional support to visitors. Those who access the centre see it as a safe space. Somewhere they can take time to make sense of their situation and can access support to make healthy decisions for their future.
‘We are here for anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, whether it be to offer a shower, health support, benefits advice or to lend an ear. We are not here to judge, but hopefully to empower those we support.’
The following message was sent to us recently. It’s a powerful example of how important the service is to those who access it.
‘I need to thank you for all the help you gave me during my homelessness. You literally saved my life. I was in very dark place and wouldn’t have survived without the Friary. Now I have my own flat and moving forward with my life’
The cost-of-living crisis means that more and more people are falling into homelessness. The work of the Friary is as important now as it has been at any time in their history.
A donation to our Winter appeal helps us to keep our all our services running at such an important time. We are being affected by rises in energy bills, fuel prices and the cost of food. Anything you can spare at this time will make such a difference to the lives of our visitors.
Thank you for your support’.
