Responding to the rising demand for support among homeless and vulnerable people, The Doncaster Impact Team is serving free hot meals every week in the city centre.

William McFetridge, 75, a Community Chaplain who works with the charity, said the initiative was born from him witnessing ‘a real need’ for support in Doncaster, with many people ‘left to their own devices to try to survive’.

Every Thursday, the volunteer-run group offers freshly cooked meals to individuals in need outside Christ Church at 6pm.

Mr McFetridge said: “To do something like this, you need real commitment; this is a long-term thing, and it’s really rewarding, it definitely helps that there are so many lovely folk who get involved in helping us.

“A number of the group are not faith-oriented in any way, shape, or form. They’re just nice people who genuinely care about those who are less fortunate than themselves, which is lovely to see.”

He explained: “If you look around or look online, there are actually a lot of places trying to help those on the edge of society, struggling with life’s problems. However, it can be a struggle for them to keep running, as many of the groups are basically self funded.”

The Impact Team receives some council funding once a year, which is split between various churches and groups.

“There is only a little bit of money around, but we just get on with it, and somehow manage to have enough.”

Local businesses and restaurants are also part of the project, they will donate time and resources to provide hot meals to people in need.

Mr McFetridge said: “A friend of mine comes round with a fish and chip van every so often. They see this as their way of helping, contributing in such a positive and worthwhile way.”

He explained that having enough food is only one of the many problems homeless people face, especially as winter approaches, staying warm and safe is ‘an urgent concern’. 

“What we really need is a drop-in centre, where vulnerable people can be left alone, in the warm, with a cup of tea. They’re not bothering anybody, not begging on the streets, not bothering the public. That’s what we’re trying to achieve, but if I ask business people about leases or properties, as soon as I say who my clientele is, I’m immediately refused.”

Doncaster Council has recently committed to a long-term funding initiative aimed at reducing rough sleeping across the city as of October 16.

This investment will support various services, including street outreach and 24-hour supported accommodation, as well as programs offering ‘sustainable pathways out of homelessness’ through pre-employment training and tenancy assistance.

Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Business, emphasised the council’s ongoing efforts, she said: “The awarding of two long-term contracts will allow us to take this work to the next level.”

For more information about The Doncaster Impact Team, or to find out how you could get involved, head to: https://www.facebook.com/DoncasterImpactTeam/