Light Project Peterborough is the Bishop’s Charity for 2025. This amazing charity works to enable and equip the church and community to heal the broken-hearted, set free the oppressed, and bring good news to the poor. They have been active in Peterborough since 2009 and continue to support wherever they can.
Over the years they have led City Chaplaincy, Winter Night Shelters, Rest Centres during the Covid 19 ‘Everyone In’ initiative, Multi-Agency Community Support Teams and day time services through the Garden House, based in the Cathedral grounds.
As part of our focus on their work we hear Alan's story...
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Alan became homeless about six months ago after starting to go through a divorce. He would spend three nights on the streets. “It was so cold even though I had three pairs of socks and two pairs of jeans on. It got to a point where I felt like if the cold killed me at least I wouldn’t be suffering anymore.” Fortunately, on the fourth morning, two other people experiencing homeless came up to Alan and started a conversation. They told him about the Garden House and suggested that he went with them to get some food and support.
Alan explains “The first time I came in, I was welcomed and told to settle in and grab a coffee. Then Garden House staff sat with me and took my details and learnt about my situation. Sam and Teresa [Project Workers] have been amazing and have helped me to sort out accommodation with the City Council.” Alan adds “It’s nice to come here during the day and to have some normality. I’ve made friends and I don’t feel so alone.”
Alan is 63 and suffers with arthritis and sleep apnoea as well as at times struggling with his hearing and breathing. “I’ve seen the doctors from Boroughbury Medical Centre on the Health Outreach Bus, and they’ve been really helpful and have supported me with my medication. I’ve also seen the physiotherapist to help with my knees. I’m hoping to start counselling soon as well to support me with my mental health.”
People become homeless for various reasons, and it can lead to desperate decisions being made. “I’ve met and spoken to a few people who purposely get arrested just to have a bed for a night. Some will even plan their year around this so during winter they’re in prison and then get released in the summer so it’s not so bad sleeping outside. This isn’t living, it’s just surviving which shouldn’t be happening in society nowadays.”
Alan moved from temporary accommodation to a more secure place a month ago. Although there’s now some stability again in Alan’s life, he still aims for better. “Once the divorce is settled and I have some money, I want to have my own place again. I might even buy a boat to live on. If I can find a part time job which is flexible for me then I’ll give it a go. I’ve always been a working man but over the years as my health started to worsen, it’s got harder.”
Alan concludes “I can’t say enough positive things about this place [Garden House]. They’ve guided me to the right support and have treated me like a normal person. It doesn’t take much to treat someone like a human being and it really does go a long way.”
Further information on Light Project Peterborough, including how to make a donation or get involved in fundraising, can be found here.