07/04/2025
The Upper Room Project with Middlesbrough SVP (St. Vincent de Paul Society) offers a brunch and take away lunch every Saturday and is open to all who are homeless or destitute in Middlesbrough. Currently we have than 50 to 60 visitors each week and many are rough sleepers.
Previously operating for many years in the John Paul Centre we now, with the support of Middlesbrough SVP, provide this service from the Salvation Army Hall on Southfield Road. Our aim is to welcome all who come through the door and offer a sausage bun, hot drink and as much toast as needed in a warm space. Offering also a friendly, listening ear we signpost visitors to further help. We provide emergency sleeping bags, blankets, clothing and other items when needed and every few weeks visitors are offered free podiatry with new socks and trainers. Visitors can also have a free haircut as a barber attends each Saturday now. At Christmas and Easter we offer more festive food and give out gift bags to each visitor containing toiletries, hat, gloves and chocolate treat.
Many guests express their thanks and tell us that it makes such a difference coming to the Upper Room “I don’t know how you can be kind to me” and “Thanks so much for what you do, it really makes a difference” (from a guest starting the difficult journey to move on, successfully so far) They are particularly grateful for the emergency clothing, sleeping bags and the occasional tent given out.
It costs £120 in food and small rent to provide th
