Sarah Newton MP visits Truro Homeless Charity

On Saturday 4^th December Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton joined volunteers from the Truro Homeless Action Group (THAG), in putting up Christmas decorations at St Pauls Church Hall, Truro.

The Hall is used by THAG to offer Truro’s homeless a cooked breakfast, a cup of tea, and a friendly chat, every morning of the week. THAG’s volunteers serve a hot and filling meal to the homeless between 7.30 and 9.00, seven days a week, offering hot lunches on Christmas and Boxing Day.  

THAG was founded by Ann Boorman and Paddy McParland eleven years ago, and was set up with the aim of providing the most vulnerable residents of Truro with a regular meeting place, and a good start to each day. For over a decade THAG has provided a degree of comfort and security for homeless people in Truro, contact details for homeless services being provided along with hot and nutritious meals.

However THAG faces an uncertain future. The Diocese of Truro, who own St Paul’s Hall, have recently informed THAG of their intention to sell the building. THAG are searching for an organisation prepared to lease the hall from the Diocese, whilst allowing THAG to continue to use the premises in the mornings and at weekends.  If such an arrangement cannot be secured, THAG will be forced to find an alternative location from which to offer their morning breakfast service.

Commenting on the visit, Sarah Newton, who volunteered with THAG before her election, said:

“I was delighted to be able to come and decorate St Paul’s Church Hall, and to catch up with some of the volunteers who work so tirelessly for the homeless of Truro. The hot food, and even warmer welcome, provided by THAG every morning is needed more than ever before. People living in poor quality accommodation and who might well be lonely are also very welcome.”

A recent survey indicated that at least 36 people regularly sleep rough in Truro. Many of those people will continue to live on the streets as the weather worsens. THAG’s records show that in October alone, the volunteers at St Paul’s Church Hall served 209 hot breakfasts to 37 separate people.

“I urge Truro to do all it can to support this fantastic organisation during this difficult time, as it continues to offer comfort and assistance to the City’s most vulnerable residents.”