2013

The Nomad Trust and Lincolnshire YMCA joined forces from the 1st April 2013. The trustees from both organisations had, for a while, been toying with the idea of merging and, in the end, decided it was best for both parties. The Nomad Trust will now be classed as one of the YMCA projects

The main changes to the Nomad Trust will be behind the scenes – how the public sees the charity will not change. The trust will still keep its name, logo and ethos. We will still be offering the services of the night shelter on Monks Road, the move-on accommodation will still be running and the charity and furniture shops will remain open to the public.

Both organisations see this merger as a positive move forwards. Both can benefit from the various expertise that are present in the staff and volunteers that are such a huge part of the various services. Trustees from Nomad and the YMCA have joined – all of whom have a vision for the future; that future being a continued change and improvement to the services available to those in need in Lincolnshire.

The night shelter is the heart of the Nomad Trust and all trustees, staff, volunteers and the public, are encouraged that the service will still be there to individuals who have found themselves in crisis. Improvements have already been made to the shelter with a lick of paint throughout and brand new beds for the service users.

Please continue to support the Nomad Trust – by being a YMCA project doesn’t mean we have access to a big pot of gold! Nomad will still remain autonomous and will still depend on the public of Lincoln supporting and donating as you have always done. Nomad is aware that without your support, we would not have lasted this long. You, the public, realise there is a need to support the homeless in Lincoln and we meet that need with your help. We thank you all for your support in the past and also for the future.

2012

Working relationships increase with the Royal British Legion at the move-on accommodation. We also received a grant of £22,250 from the Royal British Legion to put towards the project. A horticulture project is set up to provide volunteering opportunities and to be used as a therapeutic tool for the residents. Nomad, along with the BeAttitude project, Framework and Women’s Aid received joint funding for a mental health worker. Nomad starts to work closer with Beattitude at St Mary le Wigford. The rough sleeper breakfast and evening meals start at Beattitude.

2011

The service at Nomad was taken over by Framework for 2 months in preparation for the opening of The Pathways Centre. A new move-on accommodation project was set up to provide housing for ex service users and ex forces who are in need of assistance to move forwards with their futures.

The new Pathways Centre opened to provide more services to help the homeless. The service is being run by Framework. Nomad changed their service at Monks Road from an all day service to night time only.

Homelet chose Nomad as their charity to support for the next 3 years. Their first bout of fundraising was used to purchase a mini bus to be used to transport our move-on residents to their chosen volunteering placements. Further funds were raised to refurbish the kitchen and bathrooms at the move-on house.

Nomad opened up a furniture project in order to provide good quality furniture at affordable prices. The project also serves to make the shelter self-sustainable and therefore not at risk of closing due to funding cuts. Nomad celebrated its 5000th night of opening the night shelter.

2010

Fundraising to furnish the rooms in the Pathways Centre began.  The Nomad Trust went into partnership with Framework H.A. and building commenced on the Pathways Centre.  In December, a new record was set when the Trust accommodated 27 people on one night during the worst winter weather experienced in decades.

2009

The Trust’s football team, The Nomad Wanderers was born.

2008

The Nomad Trust launched its new logo.

2005

In January the Trust held a 21st birthday.  Thanksgiving Service in Lincoln Cathedral, presided over by the Bishop of Lincoln, and was attended by many City and County dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant, Bridget Cracroft-Ely. In February a ‘black tie ball’ was held at Branston Hall to celebrate the 21 years of the Trust and the event raised £800 towards funds.

2004

A new Manager was finally engaged in June. The Trust was the proud recipients of the prestigious Lincoln City Council ‘Civic Award’.

2003

The Nomad Trust won the ‘Sieff’ Award for outstanding collaboration with business. A representative from the Trust attended a luncheon at Highgrove and was presented to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. As a result of a large legacy, the offices at 15A Monks Road were refurbished and a new communications system was installed.

2001

The Furniture Project was disbanded due to lack of funding and a massive increase in demand, which the Trust could not handle. As a result of the ‘Seeing is Believing’ visit from a group of ‘Businesses in the Community’ representatives, a book called ‘Who’s there for me?’ was produced by Alstoms (now Siemens).   A further £10,000 grant from Barclay’s enabled us to set up a Life Skills Project within the Night Shelter and paid for a part time tutor for one year.

1998

The Nomad Trust Office moved into 15A Monks Road, a building adjacent to the Night Shelter. During the year the Trust introduced new policies and procedures to reflect the size and complexity of the charity.  Three year funding was secured from the charity ‘Crisis’ in June, allowing 24 hour opening in the winter months. New staff required comprehensive training and by the end of the year an effective team had been established. New impetus was injected into the re- settlement work in order to avoid the revolving door effect for clients who repeatedly became homeless.

1997

As the result of a National Lotteries Board grant and a public appeal, a permanent Emergency Night Shelter, The Nomad Centre, was opened at 15 Monks Road, Lincoln on 18th November 1997.

1993 – 1997

The Emergency Night Shelter was created at St Swithin’s Vestry from 1st December to 31st March. Mattresses were put on the floor in the Day Centre. No permanent Night Shelter was available until the winter of 1997.

1992

The Nomad Furniture Project was established.

1990

The Charity Shop was opened in order to raise funds for the Trust and also to supply goods free of charge to Nomad clients. The Administration office moved to the Charity Shop from the Day Centre premises. Opening of a pilot project women’s hostel to accommodate twelve.    Lincoln Accommodation Project, another city charity, undertook the day to day running of both the men’s and women’s hostels. The hostels have since closed and re-opened as smaller units around the town, supported by daytime workers.

1984 – 1992

Running of men’s hostel, initially for three men increasing to eleven. The hostel was staffed for 24 hours, offering for a period of three months, short term accommodation.

1986

The Nomad Trust became a Registered Charity.

1984

The Day Centre opened on Free School Lane. Originally serving soup and sandwiches. It offered a great service to the community and offered main meals, warmth, companionship and advice. It closed in November 2005.