Fans and Blues help Carlisle’s homeless

NEWS & STAR COLUMN 04.11.21

Supporters groups and the Blues are combining to try to help some of the most vulnerable in Carlisle.

The ‘My Club, My Shirt’ initiative is hoping to highlight diversity among fans by creating an exhibition of photographs to be displayed at Tullie House and Brunton Park.

And United fans among the city’s homeless community will be part of it all.

Photographs were taken recently at St Herbert’s Church Hall in Currock where Blues chaplain Reverend Alun Jones and chef Michael Cullen provide meals for the homeless and vulnerable as part of the ‘Community Chef Project’.

As a follow up to the visit United and CUSG will be inviting some of the group to a home game in the coming weeks to try to help them get back on their feet and rebuild relationships with the community.

CUOSC vice chairman Nigel Davidson said: “The MCMS project has provided a great opportunity for the club to build relationships with diverse communities within the city.

“They are working with community and faith groups to try to make life better for everyone.”

Whether they have fallen on hard times, lost jobs, or are fighting addiction, everyone deserves community support to get a job, a place to live and to access all the health and social care services they are entitled to.

When all the photographs are completed a selection will be put on display at Tullie House until February. All the photos will also be displayed online and in a permanent exhibition at Brunton Park.

The aim is to show supporters from a variety of backgrounds wearing club colours and bring club, communities and fans together from all walks of life.

The Blues will have a welcome break from league action when they take on Horsham in the FA Cup first round at Brunton Park on Saturday (3pm).

Season ticket holders can buy their tickets for half price up until tomorrow evening (Friday).

The non-league outfit will view the match as their FA Cup final so the Blues will need to be wary. However, it is also a chance for new United boss Keith Millen get his reign up and running with a confidence boosting win.

CUOSC will be holding our regular supporters’ surgery before the tie. If you have any questions pop in and meet some of our directors in the study centre, next to the club shop between 1.30 and 2.30pm.