SUPPORTING Taunton’s homelessness charity means providing well-rounded care for those in need.

After receiving help and support from Arc’s Outreach programme on the streets, some rough sleepers might find themselves using the charity’s accommodation services.

From accepting Outreach’s help, a vulnerable person is already on the right track, but the team at Lindley House can further help, those who want to, find their way further.

A varied programme of accredited courses and activities is offered to the charity’s clients.

From learning cooking and cleaning skills, to CV writing and job searching, Arc aims to provide a client with everything they might need to move forward with life.

Somerset County Gazette: HELPING HAND: Tony Francis (Learning and Development Manager) working with a client. INSET: Volunteer Jas teaching cooking skills to the clients

LIFE LESSONS: Volunteer Jas teaching cooking skills to the clients

Tony Francis, learning and development manager at Arc, said: “Transitioning people through our services as quickly as possible is a priority and we now have a staff member to focus solely on this.

“Using a person-centred approach, we tailor a life skills programme to suit the needs of the individual. Taking into account people’s health and wellbeing, we offer a wide range of training and activities such as: cooking a basic meal, budgeting, learning how to use household appliances and manage a tenancy. Through to more vocational skills including: English, IT, CV writing and job searching.

“We also work closely with other organisations offering training, we recently delivered first aid training through the Red Cross.

The clients can help the Lindley House staff by completing cleaning, cooking and decorating tasks.

The service also has a handful of dedicated volunteers who lend a hand to teach the clients new skills, including baker Paul Youde, who has been volunteering for more than a year teaching the clients how to bake.


SAVE OUTREACH: County Gazette launches £40,000 campaign to fund vital rough sleeper services


Somerset County Gazette:

Meet Marcus, one of Arc's success stories...

MARCUS Budd found himself in difficulty in November 2016 - but is now thriving. 

He turned to Arc for help when he wasn’t sure where his life was going. 

But the charity helped him find his direction and now he gets to practice his cooking skills daily in the kitchen at Lindley House, and hopes to one day have a restaurant of his own.

The budding chef said: “I started looking at the skills I use in everyday life and it came back to cooking. 

“Everyday here is different, as there’s always different food to work with. 

“I was offered the apprenticeship and it was just the best thing in the world, then I carried on from there.”

Marcus fell in love with cooking during baking sessions with Mr Youde, where it was found he had a natural talent. 

He first started volunteering in the kitchen in April 2017, and was then offered the chance to train as an apprentice chef. 

Mr Budd is set to graduate from his course in November, and has also moved away from one of Arc’s satellite properties into private accommodation. He will become a permanent member of the team after his graduation. 

He added: “If I hadn’t accessed the help from Arc, I have no idea where I’d be, it’s not something I want to think about, but it’s probably not a good place.”

When asked where he sees himself in five years time, Marcus says he dreams of taking on new challenges and opening his own restaurant. 

He said: “One of my next goals is to move into a managerial role. Arc has helped me from day one, helping me get my life back on track. I love being a staff member and giving back to an organisation that is helping me.

“I hope others will see me gaining qualifications, moving onto my own place and hope it inspires them to do the same. Arc has been the building blocks and have helped me rebuild my life.”

The County Gazette has launched a £40,000 campaign to keep funding Outreach for another year - so the team can continue helping those in need, whatever the weather.

To support the vital work Outreach does helping the most vulnerable in the community, visit justgiving.com/campaign/SaveOutreach.

Donations can also be made to Arc through cheques to TAH, cash donations bank transfers.

Contact Rosie Hather on rhather@arcinspire.co.uk or 01823 271326.