University of Bath rugby players help at Genesis Trust Lunch in St John The Evangelist Church

Members of the University of Bath’s performance rugby programme are supporting the Genesis Trust, a local charity that supports homeless and vulnerable people. Genesis Trust officially launched a new project called ‘Life Connect’ in September, which provides meals for people at different times in the week. Not only do these different mealtimes provide food and a warm space for people, but it’s also a time for them to connect with others and build deeper relationships, which can lead on to further support. The lunchtime meal at St John The Evangelist’s Church is the newest of this food provision.

The rugby players provide valuable support to this project by washing-up all the dishes, which frees up the other staff and volunteers to engage with their guests.

Aaron James, Head of Rugby, Sports Development and Recreation, University of Bath, said, “Our rugby students at the University of Bath value being part of the Bath city community. As well as striving to be better rugby players, we strive to be better people through our rugby programme. We wanted to get involved in helping in some way. This collaboration with Genesis Trust is a great way for our players to give to a great initiative.”

Tom Williams, rugby team captain and final year student (Aerospace Engineering), Dept of Mechanical Engineering, said: “The squad have enjoyed supporting the Genesis Trust charity lunches and are grateful for the work they do. It’s important for us to help people in less fortunate positions than ourselves and do our bit for the community.”

Alex Moar, Life Projects Coordinator at Genesis Trust, who oversees all the meals provided through Life Connect, said, “The rugby players have been brilliant. They have had such a good attitude. These meals require a good amount of resources to happen, most importantly volunteers, and so their help is invaluable.”

Genesis Trust would like to say thank you to the University of Bath’s rugby players. They really value their help. The charity cannot do what it does without the support of amazing volunteers.