PRESS RELEASE: 27 September 2024
Dedicated woman who works for front-line poverty charity is set to spend a night on the street to raise funds to help homeless locals.
Jan Cruickshanks, who works at St Vincent’s Newcastle, will be spending one night sleeping on the streets of Newcastle to raise vital funds and awareness for those who spend every night on the streets.
A dedicated advocate for those who need help most, Jan spends her days helping local people who visit the centre. Whether it’s through serving the free hot 3-course meal she cooks from scratch, signposting to help and advice, or helping at the marketplace, Jan is a committed woman to help anyone who needs it.
Taking place on October 18, Jan will spend the night without a roof over her head or the comfort of a bed, to raise money for St Vincent’s Newcastle. All money raised will be going back into the centre to help pay for emergency food parcels, the free meal service and essential items for the homeless.
Demand for the services offered at the centre continues to grow, with more than 3,500 people being supported in August. The winter months are always the busiest, and this year is set to break records for the number of people turning in for help.
“Spending one night on the street is nothing compared to what other people have to go through every single day,” explains Catering Supervisor at the centre, Jan.
“I’m currently aiming to raise £1,000 for the centre, and any donation large or small is always so welcome. We’re not only hoping to raise funds for the centre, but to raise awareness of how difficult life is for the homeless people of Newcastle and beyond. This is no way for anyone to live and more needs to be done for the homeless community.”
Located on New Bridge Street, St Vincent’s Newcastle is a lifeline for a lot of local people who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn. Through their food and clothing bank, low-cost marketplace, free wellbeing groups, or just a warm space to get out of the cold, the centre is a thriving community hub that never turns anyone away.
A JustGiving has been set up for any donations to be made towards this cause: http://www.justgiving.com/page/vinniesnew-newcastle-1726490687951.
St Vincent’s Newcastle is part of the wider St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales) which currently has 11 centres located in some of the most deprived areas of England and Wales. Each centre offers a supportive and safe environment for anyone struggling to turn to regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender or any other circumstances.
About the St Vincent de Paul Society, England & Wales
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) was established in England and Wales in 1844 and is part of a large and thriving Christian voluntary movement dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need in 153 countries. Our core value is one of service and we treat each person as a unique individual deserving of dignity and respect. Person-to-person contact is therefore at the heart of our work and spending time with people is our greatest gift. We offer non-judgemental support to anyone in need, regardless of faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, background or circumstances.
Our 870 local groups comprise 8,600 trained volunteer members who visit vulnerable or isolated people and offer them sincere friendship and practical support. In ten areas of the country our work has evolved into vibrant local community support centres which respond to local needs and offer a warm welcome to everyone.
