Demand 'more than doubles' at the Sunday Centre in Sheffield
The not-for profit organisation has been helping to feed vulnerable people in the city for over 25 years
A South Yorkshire charity - who help feed some of the most vulnerable people in society - tell us the demand on their services has 'more than doubled' since 2016.
The Sunday Centre - which's based in Sheffield city centre - provides free hot meals & drinks to around 130 people every week.
Kelly Lingard is the Chair of the organisation - she tells us when she first started volunteering there 8 years ago - they served about 50 people per week:
"So, we've got lots of different guests, who come from a variety of walks of life.
"We've people who were in the military, we've got people who come to us who've been doctors and lawyers, but they've fallen on hard times.
"We deal with a challenging group of people very simply, and we try to do it as well as we possibly can.
"This service is greatly needed in the city. We see people who're young and old here.
"We've certainly seen more people since post-covid, and definitely since the cost-of-living crisis has got worse.
"Not everyone here is a rough sleeper either; some people are just struggling to afford make ends meet and pay for food after paying their monthly bills.
"Some of the guests are homeless though, while others don't have any roots in the city, or some may have a home, but are particularly vulnerable.
"So, in all of these cases, these people have a place to come at the Sunday Centre where they can get a hot meal.
"We don't take names; we don't ask any questions of our guests; we just provide a hot meal."
This woman - who wished to remain anonymous whilst speaking to us - has used the service for the last decade:
"I'm coming off a drugs habit right now, so I'm right at the beginning of my journey.
"Because of this, I'm sat here skint.
"It can feel like you've got nothing else in life at times, so coming here gives you a sense of purpose.
"It's lovely to get a bit of care, some food, somewhere to go to the toilet - where you can wash your hands and face.
"All the things you can't get when you're out on the road."
Sheffield City Council responded with the statement below:
"We remain committed to working with partners in the sector to address homelessness.
"That includes local groups and organisations who operate in the Voluntary and Community Sector.
"We recognise the valuable work they do to support those experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping and, where relevant, provide grants for them to continue that work.
"It also includes our national partners such as The Royal Foundation and the Homewards initiative in the drive to eradicate homelessness.
"We have previously stated and still recognise both the demand on homelessness services across the whole country being higher than ever, and the financial pressures this puts on Local Authorities.
"We are always looking at how we can further develop the Voluntary and Community Sector to help eradicate homelessness."