'Cardinal, I've got your trousers!'

l-r: Cardinal Hume centre CEO, George O'Neill, Mayor Robert Rigby, Cardinal Vincent Nichol

More than 90 people gathered for a special reception held at Westminster City Hall to mark the work of the Cardinal Hume Centre.

Guests included Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Mgr Jim Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of the diocese of Westminster. Other guests came from central and local Government, charities and schools including the Old Amplefordians.

Cardinal Nichols reflected on the Westminster roots of the CHC and its founder, the late Cardinal Basil Hume, whose devotion to the homeless led to the creation of the charity.

The Cardinal recalled a story in which Cardinal Hume - known for his personal generosity in giving clothes and other items to rough sleepers - had been walking across the piazza outside Westminster Cathedral "when one of the homeless men there shouted out: 'Hey Cardinal, I've got your trousers!'"

The mission and challenges facing the Cardinal Hume Centre were set out by Chief Executive George O'Neill. He spelt out the rising trend of family and child homelessness, with more than 85,000 of the capital's children now living in insecure and temporary accommodation.

Mr O'Neill said: "The number of children facing homelessness is at record levels. Without support, these children are likely to earn less and face poorer education and health outcomes. The evidence also suggests that they are at higher risk of facing homelessness again as an adult.

"The Cardinal Hume Centre is one of the few places these families and children can turn. That's why we are redoubling our efforts and expanding our services to meet growing demand. We are so grateful for the Lord Mayor's support."

The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby, said: "The Cardinal Hume Centre is one of my two chosen charities for this Mayoral year, and it was a privilege to host a reception at City Hall for this amazing organisation. The challenge of child poverty is as pressing today as ever and the Centre does vital work in looking after younger people who have come adrift from their families or arrived in the country in often harrowing circumstances.

"It was an honour to have His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols come and speak to us about the unique Westminster roots of this organisation which started life because the late Basil Hume wanted to help the rough sleepers he saw around him on the City's streets. I have visited the Cardinal Hume Centre regularly, talking to staff and those who use its services, and I hope to help it raise more funds to look after those who end up on our pavements."

For more information on the Cardinal Hume Centre see: www.cardinalhumecentre.org.uk