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Spring 2022Petrus - 50 years of changing lives

Petrus is a Rochdale-based homelessness charity which has had a huge impact on some of society’s most vulnerable people over the past 50 years. From its outreach support to supported housing and expert advice, Petrus’ mission is to end homelessness.

Petrus was established in 1972, when Rochdale social services asked Liverpool Petrus Community to provide support to 20 men, who were made homeless after a private lodging house in Rochdale closed.

From Petrus Hub, where those in need can get a hot meal and expert advice and support, to Petrus Incredible Edible Rochdale, where the local community can get gardening on prescription and grow fruit and vegetables to take home, the charity has a huge impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Petrus delivers outreach work to those sleeping on the streets and manages supported housing across the area, has exhibited award-winning gardens at RHS Tatton Park, and has changed lives through its innovative training programmes. The charity has come a long way from the Crypt night shelter in Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral. What hasn’t changed is the mission to end homelessness - today, that is still at the heart of what Petrus does, providing safe places where all people can flourish.

Sonia Denham, Head of Petrus, said: “Every day, the work we do, the teams we work alongside and the people we support fill me with inspiration. We support some of the most marginalised people in our communities to feel empowered to have their voices heard. We offer support to people to make positive change within their lives, whether that be in finding and maintaining a home, learning new or brushing off lost skills, or aspiring to achieve or engaging in activity to improve health and wellbeing.

There has been so much change over the years, and we’re always looking to improve and enhance our services, but the one thing which always remains is that we place our service users at the heart of everything we do.”

Petrus relies on donations
As part of Petrus’ 50th celebrations, the charity is aiming to raise £50,000 to help continue to deliver its invaluable work. Find out more and donate at
www.petrus.org.uk/donate