Church letter

January 2025

Click for the church letter from December 2024

Catching lives that have fallen through the gaps

As we move into another year, it is worth remembering that there are people locally who are really struggling with life and have no roof over their heads. Just think about the cold weather, the rain, the winds we have been having, and having nowhere to call home. So I want to use this piece to tell you - or remind you - about the work of Catching Lives in Canterbury.

St George’s Church has been supporting Catching Lives for many years. It is an independent charity supporting people who are rough sleepers or homeless; people who have fallen through the gaps in society. Throughout the year, Catching Lives provides breakfast and lunch daily, a laundry service, a clothes bank, toilets and showers, storage, a postal address (which is essential for claiming benefits, looking for work, or registering with a GP), telephone, computer and internet access, mental health support and a drop-in nurse. The charity has launched its 2024/25 winter appeal and is looking to raise £50,000 to provide a seven-day-a-week service, with bed space for up to 15 people every night during the coldest months of the year.

It is terrible to see so many people in this day and age, so close to us, having to sleep rough, often in unsafe locations and through the worst winter weather. Catching Lives works with the council, Porchlight and other partners to help people move on from the shelter into housing; but the charity needs help. This help could be in the form of:

- Volunteering Catching Lives is currently looking for daytime and evening volunteers in the kitchen; to be part of the shelter welcome team; or to be a driver. An application form is available by visiting their website (details shown below).

- Donating financially (visit the website www.catchinglives.org)

• £5 could go towards hot drinks at the day centre to keep people warm
• £8 could provide breakfast and lunch for a week for one person experiencing homelessness
• £19 could provide essential services for a day to a person experiencing homelessness
• £47 could host someone for the night at Canterbury Community Shelter

- Donating items for example: thick socks, scarves, beanie hats, power packs, torches with USB chargers, travel mugs, thermos flasks, water bottles.

See the website for a full list www.catchinglives.org

As we enjoy - and probably take for granted - the security of a warm home, please think of helping those who do not have that comfort at the start of this new year. Your support could help Catching Lives to save lives this winter.

Revd David Commander, Rector and Area Dean