We are excited to announce our involvement in a brand new project supporting entrenched rough sleepers in Derby

With key partners including the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, Derbyshire Police, Derby County Council Public Health, Derventio Housing and Derby Homes, the ‘SAFE SPACE’ project welcomes known rough sleepers who have found it difficult to engage with support services in the past.

As Head of Relief of Poverty, Phil Morton will assume overall responsibility, on behalf of Derby City Mission, for the delivery of Safe Space and will be supported by Sandra Dawkins as Safe Space Core Team Manager. Sandra, who joined the team 18 months ago, has considerable experience in drawing alongside homeless guests through heading up the mentoring project and Guest Support.

Following a thorough recruitment process, many of the new staff have transitioned from Nightshelters in Derby, Chesterfield and Mansfield.

During this 12 month test phase, 2 members of staff will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to demonstrate love and compassion to this vulnerable group of individuals who have yet to seek help to address their chaotic lifestyles.

Each day, Derby City Mission’s core team will be joined by a medical practitioner, engagement coaches and members of homeless outreach services to provide holistic care and support under one roof.

Phil Morton has been encouraged by services offered under ‘Safe Space’ since initial talks in 2018, especially as it aligns to one of the Mission’s priorities of addressing the causes of homelessness such as alcohol/drug dependency and mental health issues.

This is an exciting time for us to work in partnership in our city to show Jesus in a practical way and demonstrate how His power and authority can make a difference

WANT TO HELP?

One way of providing structure to the homeless is by breaking through boredom.

A simple act of reading a paper, watching TV, playing a game or doing a craft can reduce drug and alcohol use. We want to bless our guests with love so we have set up an appeal to gain funds for new equipment to break through boredom. 

CLICK HERE to give to this vital boredom buster appeal or go to the homepage.