Homeless hub 'has helped too many people to count'

Janine Hindle

BBC News, Blackburn

2 May 2024

The leader of a drop-in homeless hub has said it is "unbelievable" that they have helped "too many people to count".

The Salvation Army's Phoenix Hub on Clayton Street in Blackburn has been open for a year.

People can come and wash their clothes and get something to eat while also finding support for their mental health or addictions.

Hub lead, Sandra Skellern, said: "They come in have a brew, have a chat, offload all their problems and they walk away a much happier person."

Craig Grant from Blackburn says coming to the centre "grounded me"

"Just that little bit of socialising helps them," she told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Some people who have used the service go on to become volunteers so they can "give back to the community, which is amazing."

'Right direction'

One of those volunteers is Lewis Elliott, who has been at the hub since it started a year ago.

He went for help after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder which he said made him feel "a little bit lost".

"I was learning to cope with a new disease and trying to work out where I fit back in the world," he said.

"I was unemployed, didn't have anything really to look forward to.

"And then I found the hub and started to do my washing here a couple of times a week and then started volunteering."

He now helps out five days a week because "routine is everything to me at the moment and this is a nice, friendly environment for everyone".

The hub has a clothes bank and welcomes donations

Craig Grant from Blackburn said coming to the centre had "grounded me".

"It's put me in the right direction," the 52-year-old said.

"I come here and get my food when I need it, get a shower and clean clothes.

"I don't commit crime any more, they're here to help you.

"We need more places like this."