Charity The Haven welcomes Lotto cash boost

The £9,750 National Lottery funding will support its work with vulnerable adults in the Torbay area.
The charity, who are based in Gerston Place, Paignton, will use the money to fund an administrator’s role which is a vital part to the overall running of the charity.
The Haven – Torbay opened its doors over 20 years ago and is staffed by one person with a vital team of volunteers who without their help we would not be able to run the centre as efficiently as it is.
It was founded by the Rev Paula Mayer, having been developed from a Christians Together Lenten Prayer Group. Its guests are from all walks of life. Some are homeless, some have addiction issues, others are suffering due to stress, depression or unemployment issues and some guests are lonely and in need of some companionship. Everyone who enters The Haven – Torbay receives a warm welcome and a listening ear, so that when they leave The Haven – Torbay they have a more positive outlook on life and the situation that they are in.
It opens five times during the week - Monday and Friday evenings, from 5pm to 7pm, offering a hot drink and some soup and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 2.30pm and on Thursdays between 11am and 2pm. During the day, it offers a hot meal and drinks and will help signpost people to the relevant services that they may be in need of, for example, help with housing issues, support with job applications. They are also a safe refuge for people to just come and sit, a place where people can be themselves.
At the same time, The Haven – Torbay aims to help ease the conditions of need and hardship for those located in the Torbay area. They strive to find ways to help alleviate the distress and obstacles that people encounter through the trials of life. They aim to provide not only immediate short-term help, but also long-term practical solutions.
A spokesman said: "We want to create an environment where those we serve, as well as our volunteers, are encouraged to realise their potential; challenged to take responsibility for their own learning and development and enabled to grow in every area of their life.
"The new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund will see us help lots of people each week as they enter The Haven – Torbay for help and advice.
"We are delighted that the Lottery has recognised our work in this way and has given us the opportunity to continue to support the most vulnerable of society. This is important because there are so many people at this time who are in need of our help and support in one way or the other and we as a charity are funded entirely by donations from individuals or churches."
If you would like to support The Haven – Torbay in anyway either through volunteering or by donation, please contact the administrator on 07479 949547 or by email haventorbay@gmail.com