Page 11 - Real Rochdale Issue 13 Spring 2022

50 YEARS OF

CHANGING LIVES

Petrus is a Rochdale-based homelessness charity changed lives through its innovative training
which has had a huge impact on some of society’s programmes. The charity has come a long way
most vulnerable people over the past 50 years. from the Crypt night shelter in Liverpool’s
From its outreach support to supported Metropolitan Cathedral. What hasn’t changed is
housing and expert advice, Petrus’ mission is to the mission to end homelessness - today, that is
end homelessness. still at the heart of what Petrus does, providing
safe places where all people can flourish.
Petrus was established in 1972, when Rochdale
social services asked Liverpool Petrus Sonia Denham, Head of Petrus, said: “Every day,
Community to provide support to 20 men, who the work we do, the teams we work alongside
were made homeless after a private lodging and the people we support fill me with
house in Rochdale closed. inspiration. We support some of the most
marginalised people in our communities to feel
From Petrus Hub, where those in need can get empowered to have their voices heard. We
a hot meal and expert advice and support, to offer support to people to make positive change
Petrus Incredible Edible Rochdale, where the within their lives, whether that be in finding and
local community can get gardening on maintaining a home, learning new or brushing off
prescription and grow fruit and vegetables to lost skills, or aspiring to achieve or engaging in
take home, the charity has a huge impact on activity to improve health and wellbeing.
some of the most vulnerable people in our
communities. There has been so much change over the years,
and we’re always looking to improve and
Petrus delivers outreach work to those enhance our services, but the one thing which
sleeping on the streets and manages supported always remains is that we place our service users
housing across the area, has exhibited award- at the heart of everything we do.”
winning gardens at RHS Tatton Park, and has

Petrus relies on donations
As part of Petrus’ 50th celebrations, the charity is aiming to raise £50,000 to help continue to deliver its
invaluable work. Find out more and donate at www.petrus.org.uk/donate

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