About the corporate organisation
Penderels Trust was formed as a charitable trust in 1988. With the advent of direct payments, they began working with a number of local authorities across England and Wales under contract to provide advice, support and information services. This work continues to date, and they work with over 40 local authorities as direct payment support service providers.
Linking with Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance, Penderels Trust was keen to support a local VCSE organisation by using their knowledge, skills and expertise to provide a meaningful and tangible social value offer.
What was offered?
Penderels Trust generously offered 15 hours of expertise to complete a funding application for a small VCSE organisation with a turnover under £75,000 per annum that was based and operated within the Sunderland Local Authority area.
There was a lot of interest in the offer. An independent panel reviewed the applications, and, after much deliberation, Street Pastors was selected as the recipient of the generous offer.
How was the Donation used?
Sunderland Street Pastors are dedicated volunteers who patrol the city streets on Saturday nights, offering support to those in need or in vulnerable situations. This includes individuals who may be intoxicated, injured, or unable to find their way home. They have secured a rented space in a building where they provide basic first aid, a warm cup of tea, and a safe environment to rest. Operating since 2013, they collaborate closely with the Police, Sunderland City Council, and St John's Ambulance to facilitate contact and referrals when necessary. Their assistance ensures that individuals receive essential first aid that might otherwise lead them to A&E, and it helps keep intoxicated individuals safe until arrangements for their transport can be made, contributing to a reduction in local crime rates. On busy nights, they may support up to 10 individuals, making it crucial to have a designated place for vulnerable people.
Street Pastors privately rent a small number of rooms equipped with toilets and a kitchen. Their landlord, recognising their charitable status, charges a very reasonable rent; however, they still need to manage their expenses. With their previous funding source having ended, they were actively seeking alternative funding to maintain this essential service.
Penderels Trust worked closely with Street Pastors and completed a funding bid on their behalf, successfully securing £9,500 so that they could continue for another 12 months. The money will be used to pay for building rent and insurance.
Comments from Street Pastors
"Gaining this funding has enabled us to have some relief for the coming year, as we secure our premises for another year. The premises is a vital resource as we are able to offer individuals enjoying the Sunderland Nighttime Economy a place of safety and somewhere to receive medical treatment, saving pressure on our NHS with unnecessary attendances to A&E where possible.
"We are delighted to receive these funds - as it gives us the opportunity to continue our patrols within Sunderland City Centre on a Saturday night."
Inspector Jamie Southwell, Northumbria Police said,
"The availability and expertise of the street pastors often means they assist those in need which frees up the police resource. The safe haven has been a fantastic addition to the Night-Time Economy (NTE) operation and provides a safe venue for vulnerable people to receive support and medical care".
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