Our Story

	Our story....
		St Mary’s Rainbow Centre came into being 10 years ago, through the forward thinking of our then Vicar Bob Jackson, who knew we were in an area that had been designated as an Urban Priority area. The Centre was started in 1997 from very small beginnings. Food vouchers and blankets were given out and a community-based Centre was set up. We had lots of room in a very much underused Church hall and this space was utilised to great effect. From those early small steps has grown a Centre that can see 100s of people through the doors on a weekly basis. There are not enough rooms now to house all the events and meetings. We are so busy that we have a staff of eight people both full and part time and could not manage with out the volunteers we have. (They number roughly 36 at present)
		We now have a Drop In day Centre for people with drug and alcohol problems: the homeless: and those with any issues at all that they need help with or for anyone who just wants a good meal in nice surroundings at low cost, and maybe someone to talk to and chat about their day. So we are open to all comers. We rely on donations from people from the whole of the Scarborough community: as that is what we serve, the whole of Scarborough and districts. We have people come in from Filey, Whitby and all the places in between and beyond. Jan Wells is the client support worker and assesses needs. She works very closely with the clients to enable them to hopefully move on in their lives. Jan is in contact with many different agencies and has referrals for the work done, and the help offered, from statutory and other voluntary bodies.
		Help and support is provided on a whole range of issues, including accommodation, benefits, job availability, medical needs, physical and sexual abuse, rehabilitation, practical help (bedding, furniture, clothes, blankets for rough sleepers etc. etc.), or any number of diverse and varied problems. We have a shower room, laundry, television lounge and very low cost meals. We also give out food bags for those in crisis. In all this we try to let them see Jesus at work and the difference He can make in their lives There is also a Community Centre with art, computer, singing, dance, bell ringing and any amount of other classes, as well as luncheon club and activities for the elderly, play school, kids clubs, youth groups, and lots more. We continue to grow, and the Increase in the amount of people we see and help is indicative of the problems around the area we live and work. We are extremely busy, as we try very hard to meet the basic needs of those most marginalized for a whole range of reasons, many through no fault of their own.