Meet Saffy…
People often have preconceptions about what services supporting people experiencing homelessness might be like.
Through September and October, as World Homeless Day approaches, we are sharing more about some of the more surprising sides to the work we do in local communities.
Did you know, for example, at one of our services, we have a very special guest who has made themselves extremely popular with visitors…?
Meet Saffy…
We’re lucky to have lots of amazing volunteers that support our work in lots of ways, including community volunteers who have previously accessed our services and have gone on to give their time to help others too.
But, Saffy, a cat that lives close to our Red Door day centre in Bury, has adopted the project and visits each day, like an extra special volunteer offering smiles and cuddles and bringing happiness to those around her.
Andrew, (name changed) who comes along to the centre, said: “It’s lovely that she comes here. She really is good, even though it’s busy. She always seems to come over to people who need a pick-me-up, it’s like she knows who needs cheering up. She jumps up on your knee and is purring away. Never seen a cat do that!”
Our Red Door team supports people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless Monday to Friday every week and, each morning, Saffy is there to greet staff as they arrive. She stays all day, joining in the drop-in sessions and watching the various activities and events that take place.
Janet (name changed), who has been supported by Red Door, said: “It’s nice. She adds to the atmosphere, making it feel more homely. She’s a lovely little thing, I don’t know if she is after affection or using her cuteness to get some of our breakfast!”
Ensuring everyone who accesses our services feels safe, comfortable and supported is at the heart of everything we do, and we love to hear everyone comment on Saffy and her presence at Red Door.
She’s certainly an honorary member of the Caritas Salford team!
To find out more about Red Door, to support the work the team do there or to read more about the ways they can help, click here now.
