Charity celebrates 30 years of giving hope to people through tough times

A CHARITY that has spent three decades helping people tackle homelessness and debt celebrated its 30th anniversary with a heartfelt reception in Tiverton - paying tribute to the staff, volunteers and clients who have helped shape its journey.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

The Chat gathering in Tiverton to celebrate the charity's volunteers and staff 30 years after it started

Churches Housing Action Team (Chat), which provides housing support, debt advice and food aid, welcomed supporters to a special event in September.

The evening was a chance to reflect on the charity's impact in the community, while highlighting the growing need for its services across the district.

Chairman Clive Williams opened the reception with a sobering reminder of what life looks like for many of those turning to Chat: "Imagine going to bed tonight knowing that tomorrow you have no home to return to. No bed. No warm shower. No fridge to open. Just the clothes on your back and a growing pile of debt. For lots of people in Mid Devon that isn't imagination - that is reality."

Clive, a longtime volunteer with the charity, spoke of the human stories behind the headlines - clients who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in crisis due to job loss, illness or rising living costs.

One such story was that of "Steph", a former client whose spiralling debt and housing problems left her isolated and overwhelmed.