The Julian Trust was founded in 1986 as a registered charity in order to set up an emergency Night Shelter for the homeless in Bristol, England.

At present we are able to offer up to eighteen beds for overnight accomodation in a large dormitory. These are quickly filled and sadly we often have to turn away would-be guests. We regularly provide over eighty hot meals each night that we are open. Other services are also available from time to time.

The Julian Trust was named after Julian of Norwich because her practical support for the poor was inspirational to us. She was a fourteenth century nun who dedicated her life to those in need in her home town.

Our principle, drawn from her teaching, is: “To love a human being is to accept him as he is; if you wait until he is different you are only loving an idea.”

This has led the Julian Trust to operate an ‘open door’ policy from the start for those who present themselves at the Night Shelter, with no questions asked and no forms to be filled in.

Mother Julian’s example of individual caring has also inspired us to be a wholly voluntary organisation with no paid staff.