Emma Goldie: Sanctus

This week we had two speakers from Sanctus, one of our local charities supporting homeless people. They were Emma, one of the founders, and Peter, who was once himself homeless and is now a volunteer.

Emma explained that Sanctus was originally an ordinary café. They started getting homeless people drifting in and decided to focus on helping them rather than trying to make a profit. Sanctus is now a registered charity.

Their premises are not that large but they have provided meals for up to 76 people in a single day. They had over 90 to Christmas lunch, in three sittings.

Their service goes far beyond the provision of good hot food. They also help people address their problems, find accommodation and sustain their tenancies. One person is on hand to provide one-to-one support for those who drop in.

The homeless people who turn to Sanctus for help come from a variety of backgrounds, although most never really had a chance in life. Research shows that those who live on the streets for 35 days or more will develop mental issues even if they did not have them before. Sanctus has a heart which enables those who work and volunteer there to reach out to those who may not have had anyone who has really cared for them before.

Peter told us his story, growing up with five brothers and six sisters and an alcoholic father. As an adult he also suffered from alcoholism and got into drugs. He found he couldn’t just have one drink; once he started drinking, he continued until he got blotto. He found himself homeless on the streets of Chelmsford but, thanks to Sanctus’s help, he now has a flat of his own and has reestablished links with his family. He has become a volunteer, helping by cooking and by talking to clients.

After Emma’s and Peter’s talks and our meal, we moved on to Club matters. Jenny Black, the Chair of our Membership Committee, was pleased to announce that we have our first corporate member, Backhouse Solicitors, and President Francis announced that the members had nominated Philip Goodman as this year’s recipient of the Harry Hatcher Shield.