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St. Petrock provides support to residents on a low income and the homeless in Exeter. There is assistance for both short term emergency needs, as well as free advice from project workers as well as Rough Sleeper Response Teams that partner with the charity.

The three main focuses of the organisation are on providing basic needs such as food, clothing, or meals. Social workers will also help residents access safe and affordable housing in Devon, and this includes shelter as well as referrals to rent deposit schemes for private housing. Another key service from St. Petrock is ongoing advice to help the homeless and low income gain stability and address the cause of their crisis.

Crisis Centre in Exeter

Much of the aid is provided from this location. Clients, such as people in poverty or homeless, can get clothing as well as blankets. In addition, if they are hungry, free meals such as a breakfast or parcels of food are provided to those that are struggling. Other support from the St. Petrock crisis centre includes personal hygiene items, showers, laundry, and more.

During the cold weather, shelter is arranged from SWEP – Severe Weather Emergency Provision. Not only can it help save lives by keeping the homeless off the streets of Devon and keep them warm, but guests will also be referred to other housing and deposit schemes, as noted below.

Not only are are basic needs provided, but mental health workers provide care, and other volunteers such as barbers can help address the needs of the homeless. There may also be nurses that offer check ups for clients of the charity.

Housing programmes from St. Petrock

Rent and deposit help is for residents that are struggling with accessing private sector homes. Not only can the charity help people move into them, but there is also success in clients maintaining their tenancy over several months.

Ex-offenders that need assistance in accessing housing can also benefit from the Gate Service or Prolific Offender Resettlement through Co-ordinated Housing (PORCH). Not only will this offer shelter, but another aid of St. Petrock is to reduce instances of re-offending.

Shelters are also available in Devon from the charity crisis programme. There are volunteers and staff that are part of the Project and Rough Sleeper Response Teams, and they will place the homeless into the emergency shelter as well assist them with food and building connections to their families.

Free advice and help with benefits and basic needs

All clients of the charity will receive other help from St. Petrock’s. This will be advice, and is provided as a form of additional support for low income and struggling families. While this can address the crisis being faced, the aim is to prevent future hardships or homelessness from occurring. It can also break the cycle of poverty and benefits in Devon.

Partnering with a social worker, clients can obtain housing assistance and benefits advice. This will include assistance in completing forms and applications, and workshops on the different deposit schemes available in the region. Other support will be referrals to food banks in Exeter, as this is done to help prevent hunger. All of this advice is provided as part of a long term support plan, and is done after an assessment of an individual’s overall welfare needs.

The main crisis centre is at 10 Cathedral Yard, Exeter EX1 1HJ. This is where clients can obtain the basic needs noted above, and staff from St. Petrock’s will also see if people qualify for other support. Or ring the charity at 01392 422396.