Hall Homeless Support Project, Summer BBQ

Background

The Hall was set up nearly 20 years ago to support homeless people in the Mansfield area by providing a safe environment for people to access advice and guidance for issues relating to homelessness. The staff and volunteers at The Hall help people with their immediate issues and help them develop their life and employability skills for the future.

Every year the group runs a BBQ for people living in local hostels, temporary accommodation units and women's refuge centres. The event is well-attended and offers staff the chance to reach out to vulnerable people.

How did the Community Fund help?

The Community Fund awarded £150 to cover the costs of the BBQ in 2014/15.

Tina Barnes, who volunteers at the project, said: "The Hall Homeless Support BBQ will take place this year on the 22^nd July thanks to a kind donation from the University of Derby Community Fund. We will be able to invite homeless people, people living in local hostels and temporary accommodation units and in the women’s refuge to the event.

"Over the years the event has touched and enriched the lives of 100s of people. It has raised awareness about homelessness in the wider community. People from the local community volunteer to help at the event. The BBQ is not only an opportunity to provide a wonderful hospitality, food and drink but it also gives The Hall volunteers the chance to make initial contact with this sometimes hard to reach group of people."