VOLUNTEER Mary Stevens was praised by her colleagues at Alabare’s Trowbridge Drop-In Centre, after retiring from the homeless charity following 22 years of service.

Mrs Stevens, who lives in Clarendon Road, Trowbridge, with her husband Robert, started helping homeless people in the town in 1993 when she got involved with Action on Homelessness, before it was taken over by the Christian care group Alabare.

The 69-year-old continued to volunteer when the charity was moved to the drop-in centre in Duke Street, coming in one day a week to help out in the kitchen and speak to those in need.

Mrs Stevens, who has decided to call it a day after her husband retired from his job, was recognised this week by her colleagues and Alabare for her long service at a meal at The Kings Arms in Castle Street.

“It was lovely seeing everyone and I was completely taken by surprise by the presentation from Alabare,” Mrs Stevens said. “I had a lovely bouquet of flowers, an ornament and a watch, as well as lots of lovely cards, which I’m very grateful for.

“I started volunteering for Action on Homelessness as I just had empathy for people in that predicament and wanted to do something to help. I went along and spoke about getting involved and it just went from there.

“I’ve always had a good rapport with the people who have come in to see us and it is important to make them feel like they matter, as people can be very judgemental.

“There are some people who will look at a homeless person and because they don’t look nice they will ignore them, but we are here to listen and show them respect. I have heard some terrible stories over the years.”

Mrs Stevens, who attends Upper Studley Baptist Church in Trowbridge, said she will miss her colleagues and working with the homeless, but she intends to keep in touch.

Senior support worker at the drop-in centre Kelly Kelly saluted Mrs Stevens and praised her dedication to volunteering, adding: “It’s is people like her who make our job easier and she never judges anyone who comes through our door.”

Another support worker Heather Lamont said: “We will all miss her a lot, as she gets on so well with everyone. We want to say a big thank you to her for the support she has given us and the service users.”

Alabare’s Trowbridge Drop-In Centre provides a warm, sage place for vulnerable adults and helps them move on with their lives. It is a service for those aged over 16 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to complex problems.

The centre is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-1.30pm. For more information, contact 01225 776606 or visit 12a-13 Duke Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8EA.