Staff volunteer to transform Somerset centre which helps the homeless

Last Wednesday, staff from South Western Housing Society teamed up with local contractors to upgrade the centre’s shower room and sleeping area as part of their ‘giving back’ scheme.

The upgrades included painting the sleeping area and shower room, installing new shelving and providing lockable cupboards.

The night assessment centre (NAC), which supports homeless people from Weston and the wider north Somerset area, has had 52 referrals resulting since opening in November last year which has resulted in 17 people being housed.

Liona, a member of staff at the NAC, said: “Thank you so much for the shower. What a difference it made to our clients.

“I think we will have to allocate times from now on as it was difficult getting them out.

“Thank you so much, the clients and I really do appreciate everything you have done.”

By day, the NAC operates as the ‘Somewhere To Go’ day centre but in the evening it transforms into a shelter for the homeless, providing beds for around 14 people who work closely with the centre.

The housing society, which is based in Rooksbridge, has previously donated funds collected from its dress down day to the NAC and is a big supporter of the centre.

A spokesperson for the South Western Housing Society said: “South Western Housing Society’s vision is to deliver more, in all aspects of housing, and for people who are not able to access the general market.

“As part of this commitment, the staff team came together to plan and organise a ‘Giving Back’ day at the Weston-super-Mare Night Assessment Centre.

“This year, the society, with support from our contractor partners, Jones Building Group, Dale Building Maintenance, E G Carter & Co and Gregor Heating, upgraded the existing shower room, installed new shelving, provided lockable cupboards and painted the sleeping area. These works were completed in time for the NAC’s first birthday.”