In March 2020 we took the difficult decision to close the Derby Churches Nightshelter early due to the risk posed by coronavirus to our guests. The provision for winter 2020/21 has been under constant review and investigation since then.

As part of the government’s initiative to house the homeless during the first lockdown, our Safe Space staff took the lead with the Derby City Council and other agencies in caring for 140 individual guests in a hotel on Pride Park between March and June 2020. In recognition of this we received the Lionel Massingham Partnership Award from Derby Homes in September.

Due to the current challenges, we are not able to offer Nightshelters this year in the usual way. 

Derby City Council has adopted an ‘everyone in’ policy, seeking to house anyone presenting homeless during the winter period. Following meetings with the local and regional councils, we are delighted to announce a fantastic homeless provision for Derbyshire. In partnership with YMCA, Mount Cook and councils in Amber Valley, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, NE Derbyshire and High Peak, Derby City Mission will be operating a 24/7 homeless facility at Mount Cook Adventure Centre near Matlock Bath to accommodate up to 35 guests in en-suite single rooms to comply with COVID rules.

“This solution fits perfectly with our vision for eradicating poverty and helping the vulnerable. We will work with different agencies to provide support for those guests with mental health, employability and debt issues in order to equip them to move on after their stay with us” – Julio Abraham – CEO

Mount Cook Winter Provision will commence in December 2020 through to March 2021. Please pray for the agencies, delivery team and the guests that this will be an oasis of healing, support and protection during a difficult time of year.

For more information please contact us at [email protected].