Charity supporting homeless and vulnerable closing

DISC provides meals and wider support for homeless and vulnerable people

A charity providing meals, essential items and wider support for homeless and vulnerable people and families in Cornwall is to close, bosses say.

The trustees of DISC [Drop In and Share Centre] in Newquay said the decision to shut on 1 January had been made "with a heavy heart".

Monique Collins, who runs the service, recently announced she was leaving the charity, a decision she said was "incredibly hard".

The trustees' statement said DISC had "helped thousands of people regain their dignity, access essential resources, and, perhaps most importantly, feel seen and cared for".

'Profound difference'

DISC Newquay was first registered in 2017, according to the Charity Commission, with the objective of "prevention or relief of poverty for homeless persons in the Newquay area".

Earlier this year, Ms Collins said the number of people using its service had gone up by 50% in the last year, from 2,000 to 3,000.

The statement from the trustees said: "For the last few years, the charity has had the privilege of providing food, aid, and a sense of hope to individuals and families facing unimaginable challenges.

"Through the generosity, dedication, and support from the local community and beyond, we’ve been able to make a lasting impact."

It was "incredibly difficult to say goodbye", it added.

"As the landscape of charitable giving and need evolves, the decision to close was not made lightly, but a decision needed to be made."

The trustees thanked "volunteers, donors, partners, and everyone who believed in our mission" for helping to make "a profound difference".

"Your generosity has left an indelible mark on our community, and for that, we are eternally grateful", they said.