Durham Sanctuary 21 cafe helps people find new beginning this Easter

As we approach Easter, The Salvation Army is not only commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus, but sharing in a message of hope triumphing over despair and its promise of new beginnings, especially for people who are in the process of rebuilding their lives. 

This hope can be found in places like the Sanctuary 21 drop-in cafe in Durham, where support for people experiencing homelessness comes not only from practical help like warm clothing and hot food, but in opportunities to explore the Christian faith and fellowship. 

This is having fruitful results for many of their guests, who have welcomed the opportunity to learn more about God through the 10-week Alpha course, or have reaped benefits from the faith-based Core Recovery and STAR life courses, which focus on addiction. 

Led by church leaders Territorial Envoys Darryn and Karen Hook, the Sanctuary 21 café in Saddler Street is open to all on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but to those rough sleeping in the city it offers a warm space, clothing, sleeping bags, shower and laundry facilities, free meals and signposting to further support. It is also a church, hosting Breakfast Church in the Café on a Sunday. 

Karen said key to the support is Christian compassion, helping those who are vulnerable or less fortunate get back on their feet again.

She said: “The Alpha course brings a small group of people together weekly to share in a meal and companionship, with discussions that allows guests to freely explore the basics of the Christian faith.

“Many of our guests did not profess a faith but were open to exploring Christianity. Through the teaching and interesting conversations, which are open and can go in many directions, this resulted in a number of our guests commencing their journey of faith. Some of the friendships developed have endured for years, which we love to see. It’s people who have a shared experience coming together and helping each other through what is the hardest period of their lives.”

Pete,* who came to Sanctuary 21 when he was sleeping on the streets has seen his journey into faith expand beyond what he could have imagined. He started with the Alpha course and after attending a national Salvation Army conference, had a spiritual awakening. 

Pete, who is now housed and volunteers at many places including Sanctuary 21, said: “It’s just been amazing. I enjoy how at Sanctuary 21 we are able to ask questions and discuss. 

“I’m a totally different person now. I remember before I came to Sanctuary 21, I stood outside and thought ‘it’s a church, I can’t go in there, it’s hypocritical’. I nearly walked away because I was blinkered and narrow minded. I thought I knew things and was clever, but I didn’t. 

“Without The Salvation Army, I don’t think I’d be here, I really don’t. The last few years have been a rollercoaster, but I just feel more of a sense of peace and joy now. I’m happy a lot more. I still have my mental health problems, but I’m doing really well.” 

Zak* who had a period of homelessness has also continued to come to Sanctuary 21 after moving into his own home. 

After taking part in the Alpha course, he said: “Now I come here all the time. I come to church every Sunday and I still pop in during the week. It’s fellowship that keeps me coming back. Darryn and Karen, and the people I’ve met here are my family because they saved my life. They are always there for me, no matter what.” 

With a focus on supporting people through their addictions, Sanctuary 21 is also part of a network of Core Recovery Churches. 

Darryn said: “Core Recovery is a simple way of doing church that strips things right back to basics, looking at our spiritual journey and relationship with God. 

“We allow space for people to talk about their experiences and use scripture that is relevant and explores the positive impact of knowing Jesus. The focus is on recovery and how to maintain a recovery lifestyle. It allows people to ask questions and explore different aspects of faith alongside sharing their own story and drawing on support from their peers.” 

They also offer a free six-week STAR life course, designed to support individuals dealing with addictive habits or behaviours. The course draws on the principles of the 12-Step model, biblical wisdom, and overall wellness, and journeys alongside people to help them improve their quality of life and find freedom from addiction. 

One man who took part in the STAR recovery course said: “I was getting to a point where I hit rock bottom in life and I couldn’t get any lower than what I was feeling. 

“Prayers helped me during the darker times, but I was finding willpower alone was not enough with recovery. I took part in The Salvation Army’s six-week STAR recovery course on behaviours and habits, and people were sharing their stories on addiction. Some of the stories were moving, one woman said she had been drinking for 40 years, but now she was ‘under new management’, that was a phrase she used as she’d surrendered to God. Her story stuck with me and I tried to get that to work for me too. Their stories inspired us even more to get involved with the church and I ended up coming to faith through that. I had nothing left to lose, I was in such a bad place and it’s helped me quite a lot.”