People accessing homeless services in the Preston area attended an annual community day held by Spectrum staff.
The event, which was organised by Spectrum’s Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service teams from HMP Preston, HMP Kirkham and HMP Lancaster Farms, took place at St Wilfrid’s Church, Chapel Street between 11am and 3:30pm on December 7th.
Together with a donation from local business AJ’s Kitchen (who also helped prepare and cook the meals on the day), Spectrum staff raised money to host the event as well as gather provisions for toiletry packs and a warm clothing bank.
Working with the prison to support the residents with life skills and experience, Spectrum organised for two men from HMP Kirkham (released on temporary license) to contribute in the kitchen for the event – playing their part in giving back to the community.
Visitors were all offered a hot meal, tea, coffee and biscuits, whilst the Inspire team (from the charity Change Grow Live) offered health screenings, vaccinations, wound/foot care and Naloxone kits. Lancashire County Council also offered full health screenings, including diabetes and cardiac care.
Lindsey Dimmock, who attended the event, said, “It’s great to be able to come somewhere for a warm meal and it helps take me off the streets. It’s getting cold and an event like this helps a lot. I don’t have anywhere to go and it’s scary when you’ve never been homeless before. So, help like this is really appreciated”.
Amanda Smith, Spectrum’s Recovery Service Manager at HMP Lancaster Farms and one of the event’s organisers, said, “The day was a huge success, catering to around 40 people who access homeless services in the local community. Everyone left with smiles on their faces and their faith restored in the power of giving back and helping those most in need.”
