Help and support when it’s needed most
LATH (Looking After The Homeless) is more than just a charity. We are a community of dedicated volunteers providing help, support, encouragement, and a pathway forward for those in need in our local community
Our Story & Purpose
LATH was formed in 2009 by Bernard Potter to address the problem of homelessness and help people in need in Crewe and Nantwich. At that time there were no drop-in services for those experiencing homelessness. Since the start of the charity, LATH has evolved to looking after more than just the homeless; we now cover the vulnerable and those affected by poverty. Homelessness is a complex situation. It is multi-faceted, and each case is different. But the outcome is always losing a place to live, which can then result in sleeping rough or sofa-surfing with friends or family. It is certainly not a life choice. Many of our clients also have drug and/or alcohol addiction issues, suffer from domestic abuse, or have poor mental health impacting their capacity to make sensible decisions. Usually, individuals present with more than one issue and some are battling a combination of several.
Bernard Potter is still honorary president of LATH and the charity continues to follow his ethos of helping the homeless and those in need. The charity is 100% powered by volunteers with no paid employees, ensuring that all donations go directly to help the most vulnerable in the community. LATH was formally registered with the Charity Commission in 2014.
LATH Mission
To support the homeless, vulnerable and those affected by poverty in the Crewe and Nantwich area both physically and emotionally.
We will do this by:
Operating a twice weekly drop-in service (Tuesday and Thursday), to provide a welcoming, warm and safe space for the homeless, vulnerable and those affected by poverty.
Offering the basics of life such as food, drinks, clothes, toiletries, sleeping bags and tents.
Delivering support to improve the lives of our clients longer term by helping them find accommodation, write CVs, access benefits, provide information on accessing health care and tests, and any other service required that we believe will benefit our clients.
Providing positive emotional support with the aim of improving the self-worth of people impacted by homelessness or affected by poverty.
LATH Vision
Helping To Make Lives Better
How we serve the community in Crewe and Nantwich
We provide a range of services designed to address both the immediate physical needs and the underlying challenges of homelessness.
Drop-In service
Twice weekly sessions providing food and drinks in a warm, safe and welcoming environment
Essential Supplies
Distribution of clothing, sleeping bags, and toiletries to those in need or living on the streets.
Advisory Support
Guidance on housing, benefits, and healthcare access through our specialised partner networks.
LATH provides food, clothing, assistance and advice at our drop-in sessions, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am till 1pm at the Caritas Centre in Delamere Street Crewe. There is no need for an appointment or referral, simply turn up during the operating hours at the Caritas Centre and stay for as long as you feel comfortable. You can expect a warm welcome, help and support.
On a first visit we will ask you to complete a client needs form. It only takes five to ten minutes to complete and one of our volunteers will help you. You will also be asked to sign up to our code of conduct – be respectful, sober, no foul language and absolutely no alcohol or drugs to be brought into the premises. On all future visits you will simply need to sign in.
At each of the drop in sessions we provide hot and cold drinks, a light breakfast, and nutritious hot lunch. Our volunteers are on hand to offer support, help and advice or just to have a chat. We have shower and washing facilities available and distribute donated clothing and toiletries at each session. A range of other service providers and agencies also attend the sessions periodically to reach clients facing homelessness and poverty.
Our Leadership
LATH is governed by a dedicated board of trustees who volunteer their time and professional expertise to ensure we remain effective, transparent, and true to our mission.
CHAIRMAN
Mick Tobin
Mick started volunteering with LATH in March 2023, initially to talk to and assist the homeless and vulnerable of Crewe and Nantwich. As a result of his high energy, rapid problem solving, strong personality and his love of a challenge, Mick was soon an integral part of the charity and became our chairman in August 2024. With over 40 years experience working in corporate environments Mick understands that having a clear vision, achievable objectives and a strong structure are the fundamentals of a good organisation. Working with his fellow volunteers and with the support of corporate donors and the Friends of LATH, Mick does all in his power to make a difference through our charity to improve the lives of the homeless and vulnerable in Crewe and Nantwich.
SECRETARY
Barbara Francis
Barbara is a retired scientist who previously worked in pharmaceutical research at the Wellcome Foundation, and then as a medical writer and editor. She is a keen conservationist, loves reading and is a crazy cat lady with four cats, and also volunteers at Stapeley Grange rehoming cattery. Barbara is the Secretary of LATH and organises meetings, writes minutes and procedures, and monitors email and Facebook enquiries.
TRUSTEE
Fr. Nick Kern
Fr. Nick Kern is from Shrewsbury. He was ordained a priest in 1990. He has served in five different parishes, on the Wirral, on the south side of Manchester and in Chester before becoming parish priest at St.Mary’s Crewe in September 2022. When he was on the Lache estate in Chester he was a director in the local community group. In Wythenshawe he worked with Caritas who had a Centre and a field worker there. He is also the Chair of Churches Together in Crewe.
TRUSTEE
Rebecca Hurst
After more than a decade of working in community fundraising, campaigning and volunteer management across the North West of England with an international development charity, I have spent the last 8 years working with local churches on community development projects in the Crewe area. I am Crewe born and raised and I am passionate about working with volunteers and ensuring everyone has access to the support and care which empowers them to thrive. I was pleased to be asked to join the LATH board to support and grow the work of this hands-on group of volunteers who come alongside some of the most vulnerable in our community every week.
SAFEGUARDING
Joan Walton
Joan retired from Adult Health and Social Care Department at Cheshire East in 2010 and joined LATH when it first started at Christ Church Hall in 2011. Joan has been a volunteer leader for Rainbows and Brownies for nearly 60 years and is a local school governor.
MARKETING & GROWTH
Andrew Hendrie
Andrew has been a LATH volunteer since 2023 and a Trustee of the charity since 2025. He has worked for over 37 years in marketing and brand management in both the retail and banking sectors. Working in large corporate businesses, he has extensive experience of communications and governance. Andrew joined LATH following retirement to help contribute to his local community. He is also Co-Chair of Governors at a local primary school.
TRUSTEE
John McManus
John is a retired management consultant and he has worked manufacturing engineering with Babcock & Wilcox and Rolls Royce. He retired in 2016 and decided to sign up to the charity LATH and join Bernard Potter and his team as a volunteer. He always wanted to put back into the system by helping other people after working for 62 years and when he quickly realised he needed to find something else to do, LATH seemed a perfect match. He is a Trustee and works with the rest of Trustees and volunteers to help the clients lift their self-esteem and confidence to get through hard times.
““
We are never judgemental about what brings a person through the doors to our drop-in sessions. All we see is someone in need and we have a collective drive to do all we can to help resolve that need”.
(Mick Tobin, LATH Chairman)
1157729
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER
Est. 2014
SERVING CREWE & CHESHIRE