Lifeline, a homeless drop in centre run by Genesis Trust in Bath, is on the move from one of Bath’s best known historic buildings, after being there for four years.
It’s moving a short distance from the vaults of Bath Abbey to the Friends Meeting House on York Street.
The move is necessary as the vaults are being renovated to become a learning centre as part of the Abbey’s Footprint development.
Footprint Project Director Charles Curnock said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with the Lifeline team and look forward to supporting them in the future. We’re glad also that they’re only moving a short distance away so we won’t lose touch.”
The drop in centre, which has been based at Bath Abbey for 4 years, often hosts 50 visitors a day.
Many of them are rough sleepers or are vulnerable due to mental illness and loneliness. The centre provides hot drinks, a homely atmosphere and staff and volunteers are on hand to offer support and help with complex issues relating to homelessness, addiction and benefits.
Visitors can also access clean clothing, boots, tents and sleeping bags. Lifeline is a haven for many individuals stuck in a cycle of poverty, addiction, homelessness and despair.
Genesis CEO Paul Solly said: “We are really excited to be moving to the Friends Meeting House. Like the Abbey it is a wonderful location for our visitors.
“We are ever so grateful to the Friends for their welcome. We also thank the Abbey for being so generous to Lifeline over the last four years.
“They have shown amazing hospitality to our team and all our visitors over the years.”
The Friend’s Meeting House required substantial renovation to be made suitable for Lifeline. The building work has been funded by Bath Abbey, Bath Boules Charitable Trust, Help the Homeless, The Rank Foundation and the generosity of local people who made personal donations.
Fundraising is ongoing to secure a grant to install a shower and washing machine at the centre early in 2017.
Spokesperson for the Quakers, Jane Stephenson, said: “Quakers in Bath and the surrounding area are very supportive of the Genesis Trust and its work with vulnerable people in the city.
“We are delighted to be able to offer Lifeline a home at our building on York Street and hope the new centre will be a welcoming space to homeless people in the city who can drop in on weekdays for support and help with ongoing issues.
The centre reopened yesterday, 19th December, and it’s hoped that visitors will appreciate the large airy space which will have a clothing store where warm clothes and bedding can be accessed.
