The South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings visited St Wilfrid’s Centre on Thursday, 19 February to see the work they do with homeless and vulnerable people.

Speaking on his visit to the centre Dr Alan Billings said:

“St Wilfrid’s are providing a unique service helping individuals in the most difficult of circumstances. The centre enables some of the most vulnerable people in the community take back some control over their lives and find a new dignity.

As Police and Crime Commissioner I also note the way the centre diverts some from a way of life that might easily lead them into crime – which is why they received some funding from the Commissioner’s grant Scheme.

For the same reason I also strongly support their efforts to build a residential centre that will complement the work of the centre.”

The centre, situated in Sheffield provides support and advice as a full day care opportunity for adults aged 18-60 years.  Up to 80 men and women use the centre each day from all backgrounds.   People are encouraged to call in daily to receive training in life skills and receive valuable support from trained case-workers and volunteers.

Since the project began back in 1991, there have been over 240,000 individual visits to the centre.  St Wilfrid’s provide 44,000 hot and cold meals and snacks each year served in the fully equipped café and dining room.  They grow their own fresh produce in allotments and pour in excess of over 113,000 cups of tea and coffee each year.

Kevin Bradley, Director of St Wilfrid’s said: “Dr Billing’s showed great interest in our work and he was amazed at what we do for homeless and vulnerable people in South Yorkshire”