Even better news – Geoff will be returning to work on a construction site next Monday, after losing his job at the start of lockdown. He’ll be wearing the hard hat and work trousers that Trinity brought him for his first day.
Good luck in your new job Geoff!
June has been receiving support to manage her finances and to step into the digital world, she has upgraded her phone and is having internet installed at home.
In the meantime she has accessed Trinity’s IT room and has been setting up an online account to have her groceries delivered to her home.
June is loving her new found independence.
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 was one of 40 community groups and charities across the UK to receive a £1,000 pot of funding as part of Skipton’s Community Giving scheme last year, after being nominated by mortgage brokers and employees of intermediary firms.
Skipton has now decided to double that award with a second £1,000 donation to Trinity.
Sue McKenna, Trinity’s CEO said: “We are delighted that Skipton has recognised the value of our UnderOneRoof@trinity Housing First accommodation project and are pleased that Skipton’s generous donation will go to this new initiative – which will be vital for the long-term recovery from Covid-19 for the most vulnerable people in our community”.
Paul Fenn, Skipton’s Head of Business Development, said: “We are delighted to donate another £40,000 to the 40 hardworking groups which were successful in our Community Giving scheme and are doing essential work for people such as the homeless. During the Covid-19 crisis we acknowledge the extra pressure being put on these charities and that is why we have made this donation.”
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.
