Charity sounds funding appeal

Each year Pathways of Chesterfield comes to the aid of 150 people facing a housing crisis.

The Saltergate-based charity, which relies entirely on charitable donations and community fundraising, is helping more people than ever before – but it suffers a £4,000 funding shortfall every month.

Sean Power, manager at Pathways of Chesterfield, said: “We’re very much a local charity here for local people.

“We’re very well supported by the community – but we need more help.”

In Febuary the charity helped 36 homeless people – up 28 per cent on the previous month.

Staff provide one-to-one housing help, employment advice, health support and emergency clothing and food to those in need.

Sean said: “We want to get people off the streets and help those at risk of becoming homeless.

“We often meet people who are at crisis point and in a life-threatening situation – but we can help them turn things around.”

Sean, of Chesterfield, said the cost of living crisis was causing more people to seek support. “Changes to benefits, a lack of work and dwindling self-esteem aren’t helping,” he said.

For more information about Pathways of Chesterfield, which was set up in 2006, call 01246 498204.

To donate to the charity, visit www.pathwaysofchesterfield.co.uk

Case study

A 34-year-old dyslexic man – who wishes to be called Client A – visited Pathways of Chesterfield last June. He had never been homeless before, didn’t have a criminal record and had no problems with drink and drugs. Client A was sleeping rough because of a relationship breakdown. He was assessed on his first visit and offered a council flat within two months, moving in shortly afterwards. Sean said: “On his last visit to us he was enthusiastic about looking for a job and had successfully applied for a badge to enable him to work as a doorman. He also felt happier that his children would now be able to stay overnight and that his relationship with his ex had improved.”