Michael Dunn reached a crisis point when he was introduced to the Safe Night Hub, a new service offering food, warmth, and support to rough sleepers every night from 9pm to 8am.
The Safe Night Hub, located in Bishop Auckland and commissioned by Durham County Council, is run by the Angel Trust.
It provides transport for those in other areas of the county and primarily serves individuals discharged from the hospital who are homeless or unable to return home.
Michael, 41, received a hot meal, coffee, and support at the Safe Night Hub while awaiting an assessment from the mental health crisis team before being admitted to hospital.
After being discharged, Michael was homeless and spent eight nights at the hub while staff helped him secure a furnished home with Home Group and set up appointments with a counsellor. The Angel Trust team also sourced him a bike and a bus pass and helped him access other support on offer.
Michael has settled into his new home in Shildon and now volunteers at the Safe Night Hub twice a week.
He shared his story with Durham County Council and Sue Snowdon, the Lord Lieutenant for County Durham, to highlight the hub’s impact on his life.
Michael said: “The Safe Night Hub and the team at the Angel Trust have helped me so much.
“They have changed my life, and I don’t know where I would be without them.”
He added: “When I arrived that first night, they were so kind and made me feel safe and comfortable. It was the same when I came out of hospital; they were so welcoming, and it felt like being part of a family.
“They’ve helped me find a house, but the support didn’t stop there. The aftercare has been brilliant, and they regularly call me to see how I’m doing.
“They are angels.”
The hub, known as a sitting service, provides no beds but offers hot food, comfortable seating, laundry facilities, and access to computers and phones.
A dedicated team is available overnight to provide support and non-judgmental advice on mental health, substance issues, housing, and finances. They assist with application forms for other services, acting as a crucial safety net.
The next morning, visitors receive a flask of hot soup and hand-knitted gloves, hats, and scarves, with the option to return the following night while the Angel Trust works on long-term solutions.
Cllr Alan Shield, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for equality and inclusion, said: “Michael’s story epitomises why we commissioned the Angel Trust to deliver the Safe Night Hub.
“Hearing about the difference the team has made to his life and others in such a short time shows why a service like this is so vital.”
He added: “I wish Michael and all other users of this service all the very best for the future.”
Most read:
Clair Mcgregor, chief executive of Angel Trust, said: “I’m very proud of the Safe Night Hub and the transformational work the staff do to help people in their time of need.
“There is no better feeling than when we move someone from our facilities into their own home or when they are coming out of a counselling session with a smile.
“The hub is a great example of services collaborating to support the community in a central hub.”
Durham County Council is part of the County Durham Care Partnership and works with the NHS and other providers to deliver joined-up health care.
The local authority offers a range of mental health and well-being support to people of all ages. To find out more, visit www.durham.gov.uk/mentalhealth.
