In September, we were honoured to welcome HRH The Duke of Cambridge to our charity and social enterprises.

The Duke began his visit at Paper & Cup, where he met with staff and our barista trainees. Describing the coffee bookshop as having a ‘lovely environment’, his Royal Highness heard first-hand from our baristas about how SCT has helped them turn their lives around.

Prince William then visited our homeless drop-in and chatted with some of our regular visitors, before meeting a number of our recovery counsellors at our personal development and training centre.

Jason, one of our former art students told him: “The staff here at SCT have given me back my confidence”, whilst Grace, a former Restoration Station trainee described how the charity helped her “to start my life again”. She described SCT as a ”centre for living”.

Steve Coles, CEO said: “HRH The Duke of Cambridge made everyone feel at ease and very comfortable as he chatted with them. He was keen to learn more about homelessness and addiction and asked some very interesting questions of our residents, trainees and staff. We’re a small, local charity and to be recognised for our day-to-day work through his visit today has really lifted and affirmed everyone.”