At St Petrock’s, we believe that everyone has the right to have access to a clean, warm shower. We’ve been Exeter’s local homelessness charity for over 30 years, and between May 2025 and March 2026 alone, we provided 1284 showers to those experiencing homelessness.
Our Homelessness Team recently contacted Occupational Therapy services at Devon County Council as we had an increase in people using our services with mobility needs. We were put in touch with the wonderful team at Miserve to see if they would be able to help us with updating our client shower.
Our old shower had seen better days, wasn’t fully accessible and with rising numbers of people accessing our services and rough sleeping in Exeter, it was being used more and more. The team were more than happy to help us for free.
We were able to fit a new shower that no longer has two steps up into it but is designed specifically with the needs of our clients in mind, including a seat and perfectly placed grab rails.
As increasing numbers of people with disabilities access support through St Petrock's, having safe and accessible washing facilities is essential. This improvement will make a real difference to those who rely on the service.
For me, this project demonstrates the incredible things that can be achieved locally when we work together and support one another.
Said Miriam F., Advanced Occupational Therapist, DCC.
It just goes to show what a difference a small gesture like this can make to vulnerable people’s lives, especially when it’s been so hot. Having an accessible shower allows disabled people to feel refreshed, dignified and clean in a city centre location.
Added Councillor Lucy Findlay MBE, City Councillor for Alphington Ward.
Rowan Livingstone, Head of Client Services, said:
One of our clients rated the new and improved shower a "20 out of 10", which we’ll take as a huge win! It’s made such a positive difference, especially for people who find it hard to stand to shower. There are no other showers available for people who are rough sleeping so being able to provide a quality service is essential for us. We wouldn’t be able to provide our essential survival services without the support of the local community and are so grateful to the team for helping us to create this.