Pictured: A Clipping of an article from 1985 celebrating the opening of the Petrus day Centre.
For over 50 years, Petrus has been dedicated to ending homelessness and creating safe spaces where all people can flourish. Our journey has been one of perseverance, commitment, and an unwavering focus on our mission.
As we reflect on our history, we are reminded of the pivotal moments and individuals who have shaped who we are today. One such individual is Roger White, who served as the Chair of our Trustee Board from 1974 to 2003 and as Company Secretary from 2010 - 2017. Recently, Roger sat down for an interview to share his experiences and insights from his time with Petrus.
“The fact that Petrus is still necessary is worth thinking about.”
These were Roger’s poignant words as he reflected on the continued relevance of our work. They serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to address homelessness and the challenges that persist in our communities.
Roger’s tenure as Chair was marked by a period of growth and transformation for Petrus. He joined our organisation at a time when we were transitioning from being a branch of Liverpool Petrus to becoming an independent charity. This was a crucial period in our history, and Roger’s leadership was instrumental in laying the strong foundations that have allowed us to thrive.
Roger humbly describes his contributions as “not always exciting, but necessary.” Drawn to Petrus by its distinctive approach—marked by decisiveness, a strong local presence, and budding relationships with the local authority—Roger brought a fresh perspective to our work. Despite having limited experience with homeless services in a residential setting, he guided Petrus through a series of incremental changes that were vital to our growth.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Roger’s time with Petrus was helping the charity navigate uncertain times. He attributes much of our success to the collaborative spirit between our staff and trustees. Together, they solidified our relationship with the local authority, building a strong case for the value we were creating. Roger emphasised that by simply “doing what they said they would do,” Petrus gradually earned the trust needed to lead support provisions for homeless people in the area.
Roger’s reflections remind us of the importance of strong leadership, collaboration, and staying true to our mission. As we continue to work towards ending homelessness, we are deeply grateful for the foundations laid by leaders like Roger. Their legacy lives on in the work we do every day.
To hear more from Roger White and gain further insights into Petrus’ journey, watch the full interview, thoughtfully put together by Denis, Chris, and Sally. Their efforts have captured the essence of Roger’s contributions and the lasting impact he has had on our charity.
At Petrus, we remain committed to our mission. With the continued support of our community, we will end homelessness, and create safe placed where all people can flourish.