Kate Justice

John Cecil Maggs, who died alone while sleeping rough in Worcester in 1984, has been commemorated with a headstone at Astwood Cemetery. His death helped inspire the creation of Maggs Day Centre, which has now operated for 40 years and continues to provide food and support to people experiencing homelessness. Staff said the memorial recognizes Maggs's individual life and the dignity of homeless people, while highlighting that homelessness remains a serious issue amid the cost-of-living crisis and extreme summer heat.

Dementia Matters Herefordshire has introduced a new £50,000 hybrid outreach vehicle to replace its 20-year-old van. The bus functions as a mobile café, private meeting space and six- or seven-seat minibus, bringing dementia support and transport to isolated rural communities. Staff, service users, local MP Ellie Chowns and charity chair Shirley Evans highlighted the service’s importance, while donations and community fundraising made the upgrade possible.