Club Meeting at Ashmores

3rd March 2022 The Friary – Ben Talbot

Ben started his presentation with a short video from Phil, one of the many people had benefited from the service that the Friary offer.  Phil was a school caretaker who got promoted to become the area caretaker, unfortunately he became ill and the rapid downhill spiral began.  He lost his job, the debts mounted, he was evicted and found himself living on the streets!  Fortunately he was told about the Friary, met Ann and the road to recovery began. They managed to get him a Hostel place, but it was the emotional support that started to “build him back up”.  He progressed to a warden aided property, got to know some people, new friends who supported him to feel secure, able to relax in comfort and regain his self-esteem.

Founded in 1988, the Friary was created to meet the needs of the homeless in Nottingham. Originally a drop-in café here in leafy West Bridgford to help the hidden homeless and vulnerable in our own neighbourhood. Open in those days just once a week and run by volunteers with our founder Ann Bremner MBE, the Friary is now a UK registered charity maintaining its distinctly Christian ethos to serve the poor and opens its doors on the Musters Road 6 days a week. They get about 1000 people a year through the door and their policy is to turn no one away. Obviously the pandemic has had an impact, but they hope to re-open their doors in April and get back to as normal as possible.  They have 12 members of staff with 150 volunteers, who drive, label food or work in their coffee bar. They provide breakfasts, access to showers, clothing and laundry.

They try to be non-judgemental, show and develop mutual respect to the various attendees, whether caused by job loss, family breakdown, addiction or mental health issues.  They provide: 1. Practical support (basic needs of food, showers and clothing) 2. Advice (general debt and budgeting) 3. Health support with Dr’s and nurses.  They have many links with other agencies, often making appointments at the Friary, where the clients are more comfortable. From Ben’s perspective it’s providing a platform to progress to their futures, whether that be moving into work or a property.

Funding is a major issue, but they have tremendous support from the local people in West Bridgford, but also churches, corporates and Local Authorities. He spoke about a meeting he had earlier this week with Michael Gove and Andy Burnham, looking for solutions that they will pilot in various locations to try and fix the homeless care system, which is currently broken. Ben fielded various questions from the members and received a warm round of applause following Mike T’s sincere vote of thanks highlighting their devotion to their work and the ‘kindness’ generously donated.                      AR