Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Nigel Gawthrope, serves breakfast at Wintercomfort

The charity for the homeless on Victoria Avenue, Cambridge welcomed the mayor and the Lady Mayoress, Jenny, for a couple of hours on the morning of Wednesday, October 10.

Serving breakfast – a full English – to about 35 people, the mayor also spent time talking to the residents. The visit coincided with Mental Illness Awareness Week, as mental health issues affect some of the Wintercomfort occupants.

“We got there at 8 o’clock,” said Cllr Gawthrope, “and they start preparing the food at about 6am. What they usually do is try and cater for about 40 breakfasts and then cook more as people come in.”

The mayor enjoyed talking to the homeless residents whom the charity benefits. “Every one of them seems to have a story to tell,” he said. “It just reminds you that any one of us could end up in that situation, given the circumstances.

“It’s a really good service that Wintercomfort provides.”

The visit appeared to go down well with the users. One said: “It’s really great that the mayor and mayoress are such friendly, down-to-earth people, and they so obviously care.”

wintercomfort.org.uk