Homeless and Vulnerable People

Supporting people who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness, and helping them to develop as individuals, is core to our values, vision and mission. Working alongside volunteers and partner organisations, we are able to do this in a number of ways, such as though our Breakfast Club, Gardening Group and annual Cloister Challenge sleep-out event. This page of the website aims to offer some more information about how you can get involved, and please do share this information with anyone who you think might be able to benefit from it.

Our Breakfast Club takes place every week, and is run by a dedicated volunteer team. They provide hot drinks and food indoors at No. 7 College Green (which is located just next to the Cathedral), including a delicious cooked breakfast.

We ask guests to wear face masks whenever possible and to observe social distancing.

Our fantastic partners, Gloucester City Mission, also provide a hot meal and outreach services for those in need. Click here to visit their website and find out more.

Our Gardening for Wellbeing group is a great opportunity to grow your gardening knowledge and build new friendships in a relaxed and calming environment. It’s aimed at anyone whose health and wellbeing needs a boost, and we are always keen to expand the group and welcome new members. Hot drinks are provided.

If you are interested in joining or know someone who could benefit from being part of the group, please get in touch with reception@gloucestercathedral.org.uk or call 01452 528095.

Every Monday from 11 July - 26 September (excluding 1 August), we'll be hosting walking rugby sessions. These are suitable for all abilities, ages and levels of experience, and are free to attend with all equipment provided. Children are welcome, and these sessions are wheelchair accessible. We'll meet at the main Cathedral entrance, and if the weather is bad, we will play indoors. For more information, please contact lizzy.hathaway-white@gloucestercathedral.org.uk. A poster can also be downloaded here.

We are proud to have been part of The Walking Rugby Project, which was a partnership initiative between Gloucester Rugby Foundation, Gloucester City Mission and the Cathedral. Rugby sessions were for those impacted by, and at risk of, homelessness in the city, with the aim of providing a safe and inclusive space for physical activity. Key outcomes included 8 regular members at sessions, with over 47 hours of rugby played. Participants reported an improvement in health and wellbeing, and over 200 tries were scored!