Project set up by football club to help homeless

Margate FC launched the project, which aims to help local homeless people, at the Hartsdown Part stadium earlier this month

A Kent football team has launched a project to help homeless people in its local community.

Margate FC, in partnership with Margate Community Trust, the Thanet Rise Team and others, launched the project on 6 October at the Hartsdown Park stadium.

Those who take part are given access to health services, clothing and warm food, as well as the chance to have a hot shower.

Community trust director Ryan Day said two weeks into the project they have already seen the impact it has had on the local community.

Rough sleepers are collected from four pick-up points and brought to the stadium, with the support of a mini-bus from the Margate Supporters Club.

The people are given access to a hot meal and a hot shower, as well as the option to have all their clothes washed and dried. Participants are also given the option to take new clothing from a clothes bank.

Health services are available on site, including a nurse and an NHS dental van.

The project provides a warm shelter where participants can speak to a mental health worker from the charity, Head in the Game.

They are also assisted with setting up a no address bank account to help access funds they might be entitled to.

For those that want to get some exercise, football sessions are also available.

One participant named Mark said the project has saved his life

'Incredible effect'

Mr Day said: “One attendee on the first week said the best thing about the day was the chance to interact with other people.

"When you hear things like that it makes you aware of how much we all take life for granted, but also it is a huge indicator that this football club is having an incredible effect on its local community.”

The project will run every Friday at Hartsdown Park until the end of April 2024.