Report for CTIS AGM

The Shrewsbury Ark

This morning sees us doing our last breakfast of the summer as we prepare to hand that particular baton back to the Sisters at St Winifride’s convent. It has been a popular service and we have done an average of 14 breakfasts each morning throughout July and August, in addition to meals and snacks throughout the day.

We have seen an average of 22 visitors each day over recent months with over 180 individuals using the Ark in the last 12 months, and some 90 in the last 3 months alone.

The last few months have seen some successes in the lives of some of our clients, with some moving into secure accommodation after periods spent on the streets or on people’s floors and sofas, and many others seeing progress in other areas of their lives. We are only too aware though, that for many in our community, even the routine of daily life can be a daunting prospect, and the need for services such as the Ark is only likely to grow.

We are pleased to be able to report that the support of the St Chad’s campaign has enabled us to finally make preparations for the improvements to the building. Planning permission has been granted, tenders received, and we hope to see the actual work beginning in September.

Shropshire Council are continuing to find us an essential service as we look to serve the interests of the wider community as well as individuals, and our joint working with other agencies, such as Shropshire Housing Alliance and Shrewsbury Homes for All is enabling us to ensure our clients have quick and easy access to the services that they require, and we are constantly looking to improve our ties with all other services in the community.

Funding in these leaner times continues to be a challenge, and we are very grateful for the support from the Church community in Shrewsbury. We are also pleased to have received £500 from the Shawbury and Mid Shropshire Rotary Club, £550 from the John Wellings Memorial Trophy football tournament, and today, £150 from the Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents Association.

Tim Compton
Manager