Redcar charity Footprints in the Community now helps 8,000 people annually

Footprints in the Community, a local charity that started in a church hall 15 years ago, now serves over 8,000 people annually. What began as a small initiative has grown into a well-established organization with 20 staff members, 200 volunteers, a café on the High Street, and an annual turnover nearing £1 million.

Ruth Fox, the charity’s founder, recalls the early days with a sense of disbelief. “If you told me that then I would never have believed you,” she said. The charity’s mission is to reduce poverty and isolation through a variety of services, including a woodworking group known as The Shed.

David Smithson, 56, joined The Shed 10 years ago while caring for his wife, who has complex health needs. He described the experience as transformative. “It took me six months before I had the courage to walk through the door, but the minute I walked in I was made to feel like I’d been there for ages,” he said. Smithson credits the charity with helping him navigate a difficult period in his life.

Smithson is not alone in his gratitude. Ruth Fox noted that there are “hundreds more stories like his,” each representing a life changed or a challenge overcome. She expressed pride in the dedication of the charity’s staff and volunteers, who provide their time and compassion to support others.

Recently, the charity received more than £300,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to expand its services and reach more people in Redcar and Cleveland. This funding will help the organization continue its mission of serving the community through practical support and neighborly care.

The story of Footprints in the Community reflects the power of starting small with a vision of service. As the Bible says in Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” This charity embodies that spirit of mercy and compassion, offering tangible support to those in need.

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