Light Project Peterborough is the Bishop’s Charity for 2025. This amazing charity works to enable and equip the church and community to heal the broken-hearted, set free the oppressed, and bring good news to the poor. They have been active in Peterborough since 2009 and continue to support wherever they can.
Over the years they have led City Chaplaincy, Winter Night Shelters, Rest Centres during the Covid 19 ‘Everyone In’ initiative, Multi-Agency Community Support Teams and day time services through the Garden House, based in the Cathedral grounds.
As part of our focus on their work we hear Tibor's story...
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Tibor first visited the Garden House in June 2021 when he became homeless due to losing his job. He was also struggling with alcohol, resulting in both physical and mental health challenges.
From then on, he has continued to attend the Garden House and, slowly but surely, has journeyed towards stability and self- dependency.
Once he began engaging with CGL Aspire for support with his substance misuse, he was in an ideal situation to move into one of our Emergency Night Shelter units. The Garden House have also supported him to apply for, and acquire, a passport, settled status and benefits.
Moving him into one of the pods at the Salvation Army (SA) allowed him to volunteer where he grew close with the team as well as the congregation. He is especially liked by the kitchen staff where he has volunteered. SA played a pivotal role in his support by giving him a sense of purpose and the support of a loving and caring community.
It was a bittersweet moment at the start of May, when Calum McHattie (Peterborough City Council) and David (LPP Senior Project Worker) went to help Tibor move from the Night Shelter unit and into supported hostel accommodation. Staff at Salvation Army gathered around Tibor to hug and wish him well, with many stating how sad they were to see him go whilst happy that he was now a step closer to stable accommodation.
Rachel Dockerill, the Community Centre Manager at SA, under whom Tibor volunteered, remarked that she was so delighted for him. "We do hope he can continue to volunteer here".
It's been a long journey for Tibor but we're proud of the progress he has made. He's done so well, and we hope it continues.
Further information on Light Project Peterborough, including how to make a donation or get involved in fundraising, can be found here.