I have met so many great organisations recently I don’t know where to start!
Carecent is one of those charities that gets on with doing an amazing service but I get the impression not many people have heard of it.
Open six mornings a week, Carecent is a breakfast centre for socially excluded people within York including the homeless and unemployed. They also provide essential toiletries and much needed clothing for them, all in a friendly, non judgemental environment.
The kitchen was buzzing when I arrived, a happy group of volunteers were feeding a full room of people. They are based in the Central Methodist Chapel on St Saviourgate, just around the corner from Barnitts.
I had a chat with Nicky their enthusiastic Manager who told me as a charity, their two greatest needs were to get donations of food and toiletries and that they were always on the look out for volunteers.
Nicky explained to me that giving money to someone ‘begging’ on the streets of York was not an answer to alleviating that person’s circumstance. Much better to chat with them, giving them time, buying them a cup of tea or a sandwich and engaging with them in general. This really shows them that they are not invisible and that you care.
Carecent is open to people aged 18+ six mornings a week – Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 10.45am.
Food always needed include cereal, tinned goods, tea bags, coffee, sugar and biscuits. Toiletries required are wipes, shampoo & conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, Toothbrush, roll-on deodorant and feminine products.
Find out how you can help at www.carecent.org or give them a call on 01904 624244
Email: admin@carecent.org
www.facebook.com/carecentyork/
(image courtesy and copyright of York Press)
