Geoff’s Story

Shortly after the coronavirus lockdown began, Geoff lost his job and then his flat.  He has been rough sleeping for several weeks, having to adapt and shelter himself in the demanding and risky world as it currently is. To support him through this time, Geoff has been coming into Trinity every day for food, washing, and personal development. It has been incredible to see Geoff remain so positive and resilient during what would be a life changing and demoralising time for so many others. There have been times when Geoff has clearly been stressed and tested, but he has kept his composure, showing true strength in the face of adversity.

As a result of his efforts, and with the support of Trinity staff and Winchester City Council, Geoff has successfully accepted a flat in Weeke, Winchester, which he will move into in July.  We will now work with him to help maintain his tenancy.

Trinity Winchester receives award from Serco Foundation

Trinity Winchester has been awarded £2,000 for its emergency support work from The Serco Foundation under its Coronavirus Community Support Fund Scheme.

The Foundation invited Serco’s nearly 60,000 employees to nominate voluntary organisations known to them which are providing meaningful and valuable support to others during this worldwide pandemic.

Sue McKenna, Trinity’s CEO says: “We are delighted that Serco has chosen to help Trinity at this unprecedentedly difficult lockdown period. We are currently delivering over 100 meals a day to people in emergency accommodation and giving support and counselling to some of the most vulnerable individuals in Winchester. We are so grateful to the local Serco employee who nominated us for the award”.

Kate Steadman, Chair of Trustees f the Serco Foundation commented, “Inspiring and valuable work is being carried out by many small organisations across the globe. Our Community Support Fund focuses largely on those. We are proud and privileged to support such amazing people and efforts around the world, and to make a small contribution to their life-changing and, in many cases, live-saving work.”

For further information contact Paul Williams.

Trinity’s Heroes come together to support the homeless

Trinity Winchester has been blown away by the support received during the Coronavirus Health Crisis and sends thanks to the community for donations and support during this difficult time.

The charity launched an Emergency Coronavirus Appeal three weeks ago which has reached over £25,000 raised in donations, including £10,000 from Simply Health, £1,500 from Rotary Winchester and support from local churches and many people in the community.

Aside from financial donations, the charity has received an overwhelming amount of in-kind support from its Trinity Heroes, including supply of hundreds of microwaveable meals from COOK Winchester, weekly hot lunches from Winchester College, weekly fresh groceries from Cobbs farm shop, donation collections from Rotary Winchester, and The University of Winchester, Brewin Dolphin Ltd and many more.

Sue McKenna, CEO at Trinity Winchester said: We would like to personally thank everyone who has responded to our appeal for their overwhelming generosity. I would also like to applaud our Trinity team who are working tirelessly to serve those in the community who need us the most. The Trinity vision statement “working together for better lives in our community” has never seemed truer, thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all our supporters.

Ian, who was found rough sleeping following a relationship breakdown during this unprecedented time,
says “I just don’t know what would have happened to me if I had to sleep out another night, I was so scared, I’m not used to doing this. I was helped off the streets and now have a room, some warm food, good advice, and someone to talk to, thank you”.

Trinity is a charity providing support to homeless and vulnerable people in Winchester and the surrounding area. The charity operates from a day centre in central Winchester, offering practical and emotional support to help people out of homelessness and ready to move on to independent living and into employment.

Working in with partnership with Winchester City Council and other Coronavirus taskforce partners, Trinity is supporting all rough sleepers who have been given access to emergency accommodation. Homeless practitioners are visiting the accommodation four times a day, providing clothing and hygiene products to all residents, offering vital human contact and counselling by phone, alongside delivering over 100+ meals to those in emergency accommodation and other housing providers.

You can make a donation to Trinity’s Emergency Coronavirus Appeal by clicking here or alternatively you can send a cheque to Trinity Winchester, Durngate Place, Bradbury House, Winchester, SO23 8DX.

Join us for Trinity’s Big Sleep In throughout May

Unfortunately, we’ve had to postpone our biggest fundraiser, Trinity’s Big Sleep Out, due to Coronavirus but we promise that we are working hard to get a new date set for later in the year and hope that you will be able to join us again then.

In the meantime, we want our supporters to get creative for Trinity’s Big Sleep In! Throughout May we are asking you to hold your own sleep out at home, in your bedroom, lounge, or even your garden with members of your household.

Take a look below at some great ideas and get building.

With your support, we have been able to do this

We send a special thanks to our supporters for their continued support during this difficult time. In response to our emergaceny Coronavirus Appeal, we are now:

– Delivering 100+ meals a day to our partner housing providers, hostels and Winchester Churches Night Shelter as well as continuring to offer well-being support over the phone.

– We are providing entertainment packs to help pass the isolation period – including books, DVD players puzzles, crosswords and much more.

Working together for better lives in our community during Coronavirus

Working together for better lives in our community during Coronavirus

We have be blown away by the support that we have received during the Coronavirus Health Crisis. Take a look below and see how the community and businesses have been helping us over the past few weeks.

Rick Stein Winchester donated a variety of much needed fresh fruit & veg

Leckford Estate Waitrose, dropped off a fantastic selection of produce to help provide hot meals for our clients

Trinity Trustee baked cookies and brownies to include in lunches that are distributed to those in accommodation.

Greggs Winchester donated their cakes and biscuits to help supply packed lunches for those in need

TK Max and City centre Sainsbury’s donated a variety of fresh produce and perishables to support our clients

The Willow Tree Pub Winchester provided a fantastic selection of ingredients and manager Julian joined our volunteers in the kitchen to cook up a feast

Red Radish Catering dropped off 30 hot meals to be distributed amongst our clients and other housing providers

Capsticks Solicitors popped down to the centre to drop off some much needed supplies from their offices