St Pauls Hostel were invited by Safer Worcestershire to work alongside them in an education project called PSSST – Please  Stay Safe and Sober Together. Other partner agencies include DAAT, Healthy Schools, Health Improvement coordinator, Sporting Chance Project and ASB Detached Team.
The aim of the project was to raise awareness amongst young people in regard to alcohol consumption, the consequences and impact that their drinking may have, connections to Anti-Social behaviour and other risky behaviour while under the influence and to highlight the health aspects of Alcohol consumption.
One hour sessions were built as part of school lessons to year 7, 8 and 9 in all schools in Worcester. The sessions included a DVD that has been made involving St Pauls residents who volunteered their experiences of alcohol consumption and the effect that this has had on their lives. The residents were able to take part in... ]]>Sat, 19 May 2012 08:41:30 GMTBorderline DVD Article

The YMCA in Worcester received a grant to network with other agencies and a professional production company, DRP Group, to produce a DVD called Borderline. St Paul’s Hostel, Maggs and Asha centre were invited to take part in this project in October 2009.

The aim of this project is to raise awareness about homelessness within the city and to inform young people of Worcester about their options should they be faced with the prospect of becoming homeless. The  DVD will then be taken out to a variety of settings where young people are including schools, colleges and youth clubs and should form part of the education pack for schools that is to be updated.
A further aim was to give resident s the opportunity to work with a professional production company to write the storylines, convert these stories into scripts and produce the DVD. St Paul’s residents were involved right from the start with 10 residents  and 2 members ... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 18:21:25 GMTWorcestershire Ambassadors

The Worcestershire Ambassadors are a groupof individuals who care passionately about the future health and prosperity of the county. The Membership is made up of individuals from different walks Of life including Commerce and the public sector.

The Group are supported by Worcestershire County Council in achieving its aims and objectives.

The Ambassadors share a common enthusiasm to create a county to be proud of.
In addition to influencing and working with the Council, the Ambassadors champion many social Events and have a history of supporting many local charities.

In 2011 we championed the campaign for the much needed Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign raising 50k towards this excellent facility.

Members get together frequently to understand the commercial opportunities within the County and through networking learn about each other’s businesses and discuss matters that effect the county... ]]>Thu, 17 May 2012 10:27:19 GMTA total of £3269 was raised! A tremendous effort, thank you to everyone who took part.
The money will be used directly to benefit the residents, for example, trips, training, even shoes for interviews.
Watch this space for 2012.



]]>Fri, 04 May 2012 13:31:58 GMTNumeracy & Literacy Lessons – St Paul’s Hostel

 In the UK today, one in six adults do not have the literacy skills expected of an 11 year old and one in two adults do not have these levels of functional numeracy. –Learn Direct Website.

2004 DfES (Department for Education and Skills) figures showed the following statistics:

• It is estimated that adults with poor LLN (Language Literacy & Numeracy) skills could earn over £50 000 less over their lifetime and are more likely to have health problems.
• Poor LLN skills cost the country’s economy £10 billion every year.
• 5.2 million Adults (16%) in England have literacy skills below Level 1 (GCSE D-G).
• 15 million adults in England have numeracy skills below Level 1.

Can you imagine how difficult it would be to maintain y... ]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:25:53 GMTThe Homeless World Cup is a UK based social enterprise which exists to end homelessness. Since 2003 the annual Homeless World Cup football tournament has taken place across four continents. The Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup took place at the Champ de Mers, Paris fron 21st - 28th August. The winners were Scotland. On eof our residents was chosen to play for England.

Gavin (pictured) played in goal.
"not only is it a privilige to represent my country in a sport I enjoy so much, it makes me proud to part of helping".

]]>Thu, 03 May 2012 19:16:18 GMTPress Release Life Skills Project
A grant of £192,698 from BIG Lottery fund has been awarded to St Paul's Hostel (Worcester) to continue its Life Skills Project which is a programme of support for homeless people.
St Paul’s Hostel is a registered charity and has been working with the Homeless since 1977. St Pauls Hostel is committed to supporting the individual needs of people faced with homelessness and help to develop their skills to live independent lives.

The aim of the life skills project is to develop support work for a highly dependent group of single homeless people, promoting life skills which build client’s social networks thus helping to maintain stability, raising people's aspirations and transforming their health and wellbeing. Building self-esteem and confidence reduces social isolation and improves access to education, training and employment opportunities.

There are opportunities to learn skills such as bricklaying, carpen... ]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 10:03:49 GMTThe Night Assessment Centre (also known as the NAC and Night Shelter) is one of St Paul’s most vital winter services.  It was held this year between November 2011 and March 2012 at Worcester’s YMCA . Open 9.30pm to 7.00am it provides immediate shelter and support for the homeless during the coldest months of the year, with much of the bedding, food and refreshments donated by local well wishers.  In addition to the instant aid given, homeless people are also offered longer term support to help them return to full health and independence.

 Fifty-four year old Chris was one such NAC client this year in need of help.  He’d held down a full-time job, lived in rented ac... ]]>Sat, 19 May 2012 09:17:38 GMT