St Annes Centre

St Anne's Resource Centre

R.A.I.S.E. = Resources, Advice, Information, Support and Engagement

On Tuesday the 25th of March I organised a preliminary interview with Liz a colleague working at St Annes. She agreed to talk to me explaining the work the charity does. Liz explained to me that St Annes Resource Centre is a base where homeless can find help in a variety of different areas. Explaining that housed in the Resource Centre building are the Big Issue in the North, Harm Reduction Service and Tier 2 and 3 Drug Treatment Services; all located in one building
The charity also provides:

• A drop in centre where you don't have to pay

• Safe mail address to contact friends, family and to sort benefits

• Shower facilities

• Sign posting service 

• Laundry/Clothing supplied

• Advice and guidance on drug and alcohol issues

• Timetable of group activities and education classes. Including English speaking classes, computer training and cooking & eating

• Hostel referrals 

• Repatriation 

• Mental and Physical health help

• Court Appearance service

• Language Interpreters 

Liz went on to add that the homeless communities need for help fluctuates throughout the year. Waves off homeless will come for help at the same time, depending on the season. She added that in the summer most of the community are out drinking in the sun, along with the rest of the country; so the summer months are quiet. Where as around xmas deep into the winter months are busier. Liz went on to inform me to the winter protocol that Leeds city centre council has established during extreme weather conditions, where all homeless are guarantied a bed. The council also run a 'second night out scheme' which will provide a bed for the homeless if they've been out on the streets two nights in a row. 

I questioned Liz on how St Annes is funded, she explained that the company 'Supporting people' funded the resource centre, setting the syllabus to what the centre must teach and the classes as well as the classes that need to be provided.She continued to explain campaigns they've run in the past, such as the rucksack appeal, to donate a ruck sack filled with clothing, food and toiletries to the centre. The appeal was a huge success, with a ruck sack being one of the key items needed when living rough on the streets. 

I asked Liz if she has noticed the rise in 17 - 24 year olds in the homeless community. She told me that St Annes mainly deals with older members of the community, referring people to Archway in Leeds - a young persons safe house that cares for homeless between the ages of 16 - 25.