Reducing isolation at hostel

Cherrytree Support Services launched a JustGiving page recently to raise £500 for the pool table which, it says, is vital for helping the hostel's residents come together, off the streets, and for helping to reduce isolation amongst them.

The hostel, based in Totley, supports homeless young people aged 16-21, offering them accommodation, in-house counselling, and a Personal Transitions Service.

Staff member Rob Gunby said: 'Residents can feel isolated at this hostel, which is on the outskirts of the city, so having a pool table is vital to keeping them occupied and off the streets.

'Sadly, the pool table has seen better days to say the least, and is now falling apart, with a number of rips and bumps on it.'

The charity's staff set up a JustGiving page and were  overwhelmed when they hit their target of £220 in just one week, to pay to get the table re-clothed.

Rob added: 'But when we spoke to a local snooker table refurbisher, we were advised not to waste money re-clothing a table in such poor repair. The cushions are falling off and the slate is broken. He advised me to be ambitious and try to raise more money to buy a replacement second hand table.

'We have now raised £300 so far, mostly from the generosity of friends and family, but we're keen to raise the final £200 and help us give our residents back some way to come together and pass the time, make friends, and socialise.

'If anyone out there can do anything to help us reach our goal of £500,we '˜d be so grateful.'

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cherrytreehostel to donate.