Five charities are each £500 better off  thanks to ‘Change’, a project run by the Charter Trustees (Bath Councillors) to help homeless people in the city.  Representative from Julian House, The Genesis Centre, Developing Health and Independence, The Big Issue Foundation and New Highway thanked the Mayor, Councillor Bryan Chalker, and explained how the money would be spent.

Cecil Weir from Julian House said, ‘At a time when the nation’s finances are in a parlous state there is a cruel irony that those who are in most need feel the consequences most keenly.’  He spoke of one freezing cold night when 10 people were turned away from the shelter because there was just no more room.   ‘It can literally mean the difference between life and death,’ he said.

The Mayor thanked all five charities and Boots, Marks & Spencer, HSBC Milsom Street Branch, the Tourist Information Centre, the Podium and Bath Police Station for having collecting boxes on their premises.

More sites for collection boxes are needed desperately.  Please contact The Mayor’s Office if you are able to help.  Telephone 01225 477411, email ann_tipper@bathnes.gov.uk

The Mayor, Councillor Bryan Chalker, Mayoress, Mrs Glenys Chalker, hear about how the Change Project helps the five key charities involved with local street people from (l-r front row) Kevin McAlpine, New Highway, Paul Solly, The Genesis Centre, Cecil Weir, Julian House, Rosie Philips, DHI, Samantha Grief, The Big Issue Foundation.  In the back row are Chief Inspector Simon Ellis from Bath Police Station and ‘Change’ project Trustees  Councillor Caroline Roberts, Councillor Brian Webber and Ann Tipper.

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