Good Shepherd Wolverhampton

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Tom Hayden, the leader of this incredible organisation and Chief Executive Officer of the Good Shepherd Wolverhampton. From the moment I stepped through the doors, it was clear that the Good Shepherd is a special place, with a dedicated and diverse team working tirelessly to support the community.

The Good Shepherd has been serving the local community for almost 50 years, providing a range of services that make people feel valued and heard. They have a regular food service, a day centre, a meaningful activity program, a Housing First service, and a private sector supported lettings scheme. Additionally, they host a multi-agency hub that brings together a wide range of agencies including health, education, training, and support services.

One of the things that sets the Good Shepherd apart is their focus on a trauma-informed and psychologically-informed approach. They value lived experience and believe that everyone has the capacity to change and achieve their full potential. This approach is evident in the dedication and compassion of the staff and their willingness to go above and beyond for the people they serve.

Another unique aspect of the Good Shepherd is their wide range of partnerships and collaborations with other organisations, charities, and funders. They are passionate about working together to achieve their vision of ending homelessness in Wolverhampton and creating sustainable pathways out of poverty for the most disadvantaged and marginalised individuals.

As a community, there are several ways we can support the Good Shepherd and the people they serve. One way is by volunteering our time and skills, whether it's by helping in the kitchen, assisting with activities, or providing administrative support. Another way is by donating food, clothing, or other necessities. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated and can help to fund the vital services the Good Shepherd provides.

For example ￡3 nutritious meal in the dining room, ￡12 for three hot meals and a food parcel for the week, ￡15 to run a van to collect food for redistribution, ￡21.75 for 55kg of food for hot meals and food parcels, and ￡25 for a family food parcel for the week which includes four meals for the whole family.

In conclusion, my experience at the Good Shepherd was truly inspiring. The dedication and compassion of the staff, along with the organisation's focus on a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach, sets them apart and makes a real difference in the lives of the people they serve. I urge the community to support the Good Shepherd in any way they can, whether it's through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness about the great work they do.