Local charities join forces to provide hot meals for the homeless in Wisbech

The Salvation Army church in Wisbech has joined up with a homelessness campaigner to serve food six nights a week to rough sleepers in the town. 

When Simon Crowson had to close 50 Backpacks, which supported local people experiencing homelessness, at the end of last year for a variety of reasons, The Salvation Army in Wisbech got in touch to see if the church and charity were able to help. 

Now the joint initiative, 50/50 Vision, works in partnership between Simon and The Salvation Army to serve hot meals to the homeless and rough sleepers six nights a week from The Salvation Army Church and Community Centre on John Thompson Road. It’s believed the service helps more than 30 people each night and provides more than 200 hot meals, desserts, and drinks every week. 

Lieutenant Liam Beattie said: “We thought they might be able to use the space at our church hall and discussed a partnership to find a way to continue their work. We felt we needed to meet the needs of our community. We can also offer long term support by referring clients to our wider network of homelessness support services. 

Either Simon, Liam or corps assistant Adrian Casey attend the corps each night helping a team of dedicated volunteers in their valuable mission. The partnership is also supported by the local community, with members regularly donating food and other essential items. 

Liam said he’s delighted with how things have gone so far. 

He said: “It’s well received and seems to have been met with a positive local response. It’s truly overwhelming to see how much support this new venture has received” 

You can donate to 50/50 Vision by emailing paul.brearley@salvationarmy.org.uk