A daily Harrogate drop-in service providing a hot meal, showers, laundry services, advice and companionship for homeless and those on lower incomes is celebrating its sixth birthday this week.
- Springboard is run by the Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP)
- Operates from the former vicarage behind the Wesley Chapel
- Open from 10am to 2pm weekdays
- Catering for around 40 people every day
The service is funded entirely from voluntary donations and even though it is run by volunteers it has not failed to open once. Even the food is donated by local supporters.
The sixth anniversary – this coming Thursday – will be marked by a VIP guest, local MP Andrew Jones. Mr Jones will meet staff and clients to see first-hand the support the service gives to those in need.
Liz Hancock, Chief Executive of Harrogate Homeless Project, commented:
Springboard is much more than simply a free meal. It allows some of our clients who are recently back in accommodation to have a social group and mentors who understand the difficulties they may be facing. People can get a hot shower and do laundry – things we take for granted but often things the homeless or recently homeless do not have access too.
Springboard also gives advice on benefits, job applications and help dealing with issues which are symptoms of what might have been a difficult upbringing or a chaotic later life.
Working alongside the Harrogate Homeless Project, Springboard helps rebuild lives from providing that emergency source of help when someone becomes homeless to rehousing them and helping them back into work after a difficult period.
Local MP Andrew Jones added:
I have visited Springboard and the Harrogate Homeless Project on a number of occasions and I know how much the service they provide is valued by clients. But it isn’t just a service to the homeless; it is a service to our whole community. Helping those who have hit difficult times to regain self-esteem or bring structure back to their lives is a community endeavour. I thank all the volunteers at Springboard – past and present – who for six years have been at the forefront of that endeavour.
Springboard is always looking for new volunteers, food donations or financial contributions to ensure its work can continue. If you want to help please contact Liz Hancock on 01423 566900.
