PDS Doorsets first supported Petrus through our Winter Warmer Appeal in December 2022, making a huge donation of warm clothes and hand warmers, plus essential food for our Christmas Dinner and in turn, have helped hundreds of people experiencing homelessness.
Since then, our teams have built a strong relationship, with our Hub receiving more donations in kind, such as much-needed coffee mugs. In March, the team at PDS heard the funding that enables our Hub to open on Saturdays was due to finish and as part of their 20th Anniversary Celebrations, they made the generous donation of £20,000, ensuring our doors remain open!
Tim Fairley, Managing Director of PDS Doorsets, said:
“As a team, we are so proud to support Petrus in the Community. Their work is vital in supporting those in real need, and it is really important to us to ensure that the hub remains open to provide warmth, food and shelter – because people who need support during the week, don’t stop needing support at the weekend.”
Our Hub is located on Great George Street, Rochdale, and is open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm, and with the support from PDS Doorsets, our Hub is also open on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. At our Hub, people can get a hot meal, free shower, housing and benefits advice along with access to free healthcare through Health Alliance Rochdale nurses. To find out more about our Hubs offer, please visit: www.petrus.org.uk/hub
On Saturday 1st April we were able to open our Hub’s doors thanks to the support of PDS Doorsets and welcomed 30 people at risk of homelessness. One person accessing the service said:
“Homelessness doesn’t go away at the weekend. The hub being open on a Saturday is great because it gives me somewhere safe and warm to go and get something to eat and drink”
Sonia Denham, Head of Petrus, said:
“We’re very appreciative of the support PDS Doorsets have provided. This kind donation will allow our Hub to remain open on Saturdays throughout spring and summer. We typically welcome around 30 people on a Saturday, though with the cost of living rising, it’s harder than ever for people to budget for essentials and we anticipate more relying on this service. We hope that by opening our Hub six days a week, the most vulnerable people living in our communities will have somewhere safe and warm to go, where they can get a free meal and access a wide range of support.”
From the Team at Petrus and our Service Users, thank you PDS Doorsets.
To find out more about our supporter, PDS Doorsets, please visit: https://pdsdoorsets.co.uk/
Pictured: Tim Fairley - PDS Managing Director, Liz Varey - Petrus Service Lead and Louise Brett - MEAM Worker