A lunch club supporting people affected by homelessness in Harrogate has received funding for another year.
Lifeline Harrogate has been awarded a £2,000 grant from developer the Banks Group to cover the club’s costs over the next 12 months.
It follows an earlier £2,000 grant which funded the fortnightly sessions during the past year.
The lunch club brings together current and former residents, staff and volunteers to share their experiences and advice over a hot meal prepared by volunteer chefs.
Lifeline Harrogate was founded by Carl and Georgie Good in 2013 and currently operates seven three-bedroom properties across the town.
An eighth property is due to open in the near future, increasing the charity’s capacity to 25 rooms.
The charity has provided more than 57,600 nights of accommodation and housed over 170 men and women during the last 13 years.
Residents can stay for between six months and three years while receiving help to address the barriers they face to living independently.
Around 85 per cent leave the charity with a positive move-on option, while two former residents now work for Lifeline in housing and support roles.
Ruth Skaife-Clarke, Fundraising Manager at Lifeline Harrogate, said:
“Rising rates of homelessness around Harrogate means that demand for our support is always high and our rooms are almost always fully occupied.
“The lunch club has always been a core part of the support we provide and gives us the chance to bring all our residents together to enjoy a meal in a friendly, informal setting.
“We see at first hand how the lunch club contributes towards residents building up their self-confidence, self-esteem and resilience, and Banks’ continuing support gives us certainty that we’re going to be able to keep providing this essential service for the coming year.”
Kate Culverhouse, Community Relations Manager at the Banks Group, said:
“Lifeline Harrogate’s services have a hugely positive impact on the lives of local people facing some very challenging situations.
“The atmosphere at the lunch club is always very warm and welcoming, and we’re really pleased to be extending our support for it for another year.”
The Banks Group’s community funds are independently managed by Point North.
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