Sheffield homeless charity set for funding boost

The Lead Association for Catering Education is supporting two good causes this year, one of which is Sheffield-based youth homeless charity Roundabout.

The charity provides shelter, support and life skills to more than 150 young people in South Yorkshire every day.

They also provide the only emergency access hostel in Sheffield for people aged 16 to 21.

Peter McGrath, the national chair of the association, nominated the charity after witnessing firsthand the work they do to strive to end youth homelessness in the city.

He said: “As a Sheffield lad and LACA chair this year, it’s fitting that I chose Roundabout as one of our charities as I was very close to needing similar support as a young person.

“I understand what a difference Roundabout can make.

“It’s not just providing accommodation – it’s the support, guidance and listening that makes a real difference.”

The national association represents the school food industry, covering 11 regions across the UK.

Since it began in 1989, LACA has set out to inform, develop, represent and support its members through a range of initiatives and services.

Ruth Gage, Roundabout’s fundraising and communications manager, said: “We’re delighted to be chosen to be supported by LACA.

“Not only is this fantastic in terms of raising funds, but also allows us to spread the word of what we do further afield.

“We really appreciate Peter’s support with this and we’re looking forward to working together.”

In addition to LACA’s support, Sheffield-based power tool company, Evolution Power Tools, recently donated £5,000 to Roundabout.

The money will go towards helping the charity to refurbish a property next door to its emergency hostel, which provides five self-contained flats for eight young people as they prepare for independent living.

Matthew Gavins, managing drector of Evolution, said: “We saw firsthand the difference Roundabout makes to young people when we spoke to a young person who had been living at the hostel.”

To find out more about LACA visit their website at www.laca.co.uk

For more about Roundabout’s work and fundraising visit www.roundabouthomeless.org