They really are angels’ – New night hub helps transforms lives
A MAN has credited a County Durham homelessness service with transforming his life after his
mental health issues escalated.
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.
Commissioned by Durham County Council and delivered by homelessness charity, the Angel Trust,
the Safe Night Hub is located 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. Keen to spread the word about the difference the hub has made to his life, he shared
his story with representatives from Durham County Council 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.”
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.
Cllr Alan Shield, Durham County Council’s 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.”
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.”
Durham County Council is part of the County Durham Care Partnership and works with the NHS,
and other providers, to deliver joined-up health care. The local authority offers a range of mental
health and wellbeing support to people of all ages. To find out more, visit
www.durham.gov.uk/mentalhealth .
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.
The council offers free help to people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or want advice
about their housing options. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/homelessness to find out more, or contact
or 08091 968 406.
For more information about the Angel Trust, visit www.angeltrust.co.uk .
For more information about the County Durham Care Partnership, visit
www.cdcarepartnership.co.uk
…………………photo: Caption: Michael Dunn (first on left), with Sue Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant for
County Durham (Centre); Cllr Alan Shield, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for equality
and inclusion (fourth from right); Michael Laing, the council’s head of adult and health services
(second from left); and members of the Angels Trust Team.
