News-'They really are angels' - New night hub helps transform lives

Published February 11, 2025 11.38am

A man has credited a County Durham homelessness service with transforming his life after his mental health issues escalated.

Michael Dunn, left, with representatives from the council and the Angel Trust

Michael Dunn had reached crisis point when he was introduced to the team at the Safe Night Hub, a new countywide service providing food, warmth and support to rough sleepers every night between 9pm and 8am.

We commission the homelessness charity, the Angel Trust, to deliver the Safe Night Hub in Bishop Auckland, with transport provided for those in other parts of the county. While it is open to anyone who needs the charity's help, the hub is primarily aimed at people who have been discharged from hospital and are either homeless or unable to return to their home.

Michael, 41, was taken to the Safe Night Hub while he waited for an assessment from the mental health crisis team, and received a hot meal, cup of coffee and a comforting chat with support workers before being admitted to hospital.

When he was discharged from hospital, Michael was homeless, and hospital staff referred him to the hub. He spent eight nights there while the support staff helped him to secure a furnished home with Home Group and set up appointments with a counsellor. The Angel Trust team also sourced him a bike and a bus pass and helped him to access other support on offer.

Michael has now settled into his new home in Shildon and is volunteering at the Safe Night Hub twice a week.

Anyone who is suffering from suicidal thoughts, or needs urgent support, is urged to contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

People experiencing a mental health crisis, or who are aware of someone who is, can also call NHS 111 and select option two for urgent mental health support. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who are deaf, or have hearing loss, can use the NHS 111 Sign Video or the 18001 111 Relay UK app.

Part of the family

Keen to spread the word about the difference the hub has made to his life, he shared his story with our representatives and Sue Snowdon, the Lord Lieutenant for County Durham, during a visit.

"The Safe Night Hub and the team at the Angel Trust have helped me so much," said Michael.

"They have changed my life, and I don't know where I would be without them.

"When I arrived that first night, they were so kind and made me feel safe and comfortable. It was the same when I came out of hospital; they were so welcoming, and it felt like being part of a family.

"They've helped me find a house, but the support didn't stop there. The aftercare has been brilliant, and they regularly call me to see how I'm doing. They really are angels."

Support and advice

The Safe Night Hub was launched in December 2024 at the Angel Trust's base in Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, where the charity also runs a food bank and community café.

Known as a sitting service, there are no beds, but those who visit the hub can enjoy hot food, relax on comfortable chairs, wash their clothes and use computers and mobile phones. A dedicated team is on hand throughout the night to offer support and non-judgemental advice on everything from mental health and drug and alcohol issues, to housing and financial management. They also guide people through application forms to access help from other support services, acting as a vital safety net for those who find themselves with nowhere to go.

The following morning, people are given a flask of hot soup and hand-knitted gloves, hats and scarves. They are welcome to return the following night if needed, with the Angel Trust working with them and other agencies to secure long-term solutions.

A vital service

Cllr Alan Shield, our Cabinet member for equality and inclusion, said: "Michael's story epitomises why we commissioned the Angel Trust to deliver the Safe Night Hub. Hearing about the difference the team has made to his life and others in such a short time, shows why a service like this is so vital.

"It's all about providing a safe, warm and welcoming haven for people to escape the cold, tuck into a hearty meal, wash their clothes and enjoy the company of others if they wish to. At the same time, it's helping people to access the support they need to make positive and lasting change, empowering them to face the future with confidence. It also demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in our society.

"I wish Michael, and all other users of this service, all the very best for the future."

Transformational work

Clair Mcgregor, chief executive of Angel Trust, said: "I'm very proud of the Safe Night Hub and the transformational work the staff do to help people in their time of need. There is no better feeling than when we move someone from our facilities into their own home, or when they are coming out of a counselling session with a smile. The hub is a great example of services collaborating to support the community in a central hub."

We are part of the County Durham Care Partnership and work with the NHS, and other providers, to deliver joined-up health care.

We offer a range of mental health and wellbeing support to people of all ages. To find out more, visit Look after your mental health.

We offer free help to people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or want advice about their housing options. Visit Get help to avoid becoming homeless to find out more, or contact housing@durham.gov.uk or 08091 968 406.

For more information about the Angel Trust, visit Angel Trust.

For more information about the County Durham Care Partnership, visit County Durham Care Partnership.