Christian care in Clacton

During the summer, Clacton in northeast Essex is a bustling seaside town full of families and laughter. Many of its Victorian hotels and guesthouses have been repurposed as homes of multiple occupation. During the winter months, it can be a challenging and lonely place for some of those who live there.

Hope@Trinity is a day centre, based at Trinity Methodist Church, providing welcome and support for people living in Clacton and Jaywick who are homeless or vulnerable. As a community Jaywick has a particularly high number of people experiencing poverty, in comparison to other areas of the country.

At the Hope@Trinity Day Centre, all are welcome. Warmth, practical support and love are provided in abundance to those seeking comfort and companionship. People can socialise with dignity and share their stories alongside getting a hot meal, a shower, clean clothes and advice.

Hope@Trinity is managed by Deacon Angela Shereni who encourages the guests to share their concerns. “We chat about the issues troubling our guests and explore their plans to get back on their feet. Here, they can support each other along with one to one help to explore their needs and hopes.”

There are also local services who attend Hope@Trinity to offer support to the guests. These include a rough sleeper early intervention project, health advocacy, financial advice on benefits and housing and support with mental health problems. Help is also available for those who have left the criminal justice system. “Working in partnership with others who are specialists enables us to offer all-round support,” says Deacon Angela.

“This part of Essex has some deprived areas where the communities are marginalized. People can find themselves feeling depressed and isolated resulting in mental health and wellbeing problems. We try to overcome that. We welcome them here, they are taken away from their normal environment to one where they can be themselves and flourish.

One of the regulars who attends the center is Jim. After a breakdown, Jim found himself homeless for two months. With the support of family members he now lives in a hotel in Clacton, having decided that the night shelters where not somewhere he would feel secure.

“After I have paid for the hotel, there is not much money left for food so I come here for that but also for the community. Here you can have a chat with other people who are in a similar position. It helps build up my social confidence. If you see the people who come here when you are outside, they say hello and that makes you feel human rather than ignored.

“I am working with the housing advisors at Trinity and I am positive about the future.”

Peter is one of those who volunteers at Hope@Trinity. He comes in once a week to cook, dishing up as many as 80 breakfasts. “Volunteering means that you listen, what you hear is private but it is rewarding hearing about people moving on and getting their accommodation sorted.”

“This is what God calls us to be and to do,” says Deacon Angela. “Social justice is at the heart of the Methodist Church. Walking alongside those who are vulnerable and sharing the good news of compassionate love that Jesus is offering us.”