A POPULAR Worcester day centre which helps homeless people across the city has been chosen as the University of Worcester’s Charity of the Year.
Maggs Day Centre was selected after a vote by staff on a large number of local and national charities, which had been nominated.
Maggs, founded in 1984, is dedicated to helping the homeless people of Worcester and offers them a safe and warm place to go after a night sleeping rough on the street.
Open five days a week, the day centre provides homeless people with a safe and warm place where they can use the toilet, take a shower and have a hot and healthy meal.
Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “The Maggs Day Centre does outstanding work within the community and for the homeless. I am delighted that it has been named our Charity of the Year and I have faith in everybody here at the University to dig deep and show their support.”
Situated in the former St Albans Church in Deansway, Maggs Day Centre has grown rapidly in recent years and is now expanding to include support, life skills training and practical assistance to help homeless people rebuild their lives which includes a mentoring service.
Maggs also hosts a homeless health hub in partnership with the NHS.
Staff at the University are planning a number of fund-raising events over the coming months, including a Hadrian’s Wall Challenge, which will see teams of staff from the University attempt to walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail.
Mel Kirk, Manager of Maggs Day Centre, said: “We are delighted to be the University’s Charity of the Year. We work closely with the University and host various university placements each year. I wish all those that take part good luck in the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge.”
Last year’s Charity of the Year was the Riverbank Children’s Ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, for which thousands of pounds was raised. Fund-raisers included a dragon boat race, a half marathon; Worcester Wolves match fund-raisers and good old classic cake sales.
