This week, we were proud to welcome the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Ian Smith, to Maggs — and to give him a behind-the-scenes look at the work we do to support people experiencing homelessness across the county.
Joined by our Chair of Trustees, Jane Kemp, and CEO, Andy Price, Ian began his visit at our Clothing Project on The Tything. Led by the brilliant Claire — who works across both the Clothing Project and our Outreach team — he saw first-hand how donated items like jeans, trainers, sleeping bags and toiletries are sorted and given directly to people in need. Unlike a typical charity shop, every item here is freely provided to someone facing homelessness or financial crisis, with dignity, care and attention to individual needs.
From there, Ian stepped inside St Alban’s Church, now home to our Worcester Day Centre — marking his first time inside the historic building, despite passing it for decades on his daily commute. Here, he met some of our volunteers and heard how the centre offers a safe space, hot meals, showers, lockers, and meaningful connection for people who might otherwise have nowhere else to go.
Throughout the morning, we spoke about the rise in women experiencing homelessness and how Maggs is adapting our services to meet this growing need — from providing essential items like period products and underwear to offering safe spaces and specialist support.
We also shared more about our Outreach and Accommodation projects, which extend our support far beyond the walls of our day centres. Whether it’s meeting someone sleeping rough for the first time or helping a former service user settle into a new home, our teams work tirelessly to meet people where they are and walk with them toward a more secure future.
Finally, we gave Ian a sneak peek at our plans for Maggs’ 40th anniversary — an exciting year of events, partnerships and community celebration that will shine a spotlight on both the challenges we face and the incredible work that happens every day thanks to our staff, volunteers, donors and supporters.
We’re incredibly grateful to the High Sheriff for taking the time to visit, for listening with such compassion, and for his commitment to supporting our work going forward.
As Ian shared in his own reflections:
“There but by the grace of God go any of us.”
Want to get involved?
Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or donating items, your support can help us change lives.
Visit www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk/40thanniversary to learn more.
