St Petrocs was the first organisation in Cornwall set up to provide accommodation to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness, who often fall outside the statutory responsibility of the local authority. 

St Petrocs was established to offer support to those who have nowhere else to go and acts as the last line of defence against someone having to sleep outside. Originally initiated by the Diocese of Truro when clergy found people coming to their church doors, or to their homes asking for help. Concerned that a bed for the night, a good breakfast, and a word of sympathy was an inadequate response to the needs of people seeking help, the church took action to set up ‘The Saint Petroc’s Society’.

Over the years our services have grown, shaped by the needs of the people we support.  St Petrocs is no longer a registered society.  We are now a company limited by guarantee and registered with the Charity Commission.

Our organisational values of honesty, integrity, equality, and dignity are rooted in our history and shape the way we work.  St Petrocs is committed to ensuring that we are accessible to everyone regardless of any identity or characteristic. We want to foster an environment free from harassment, unfair and unlawful discrimination where everyone is treated fairly.

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Hear from some influential people who have shaped St Petrocs over the years

Why 'St Petrocs'?  

Petroc is said to have been a Celtic saint who arrived at Padstow and, finding nowhere to stay, walked from Padstow to Fowey looking for shelter - but no one gave him a place to stay. Locally, he has become known as the patron saint of people who find themselves without a home.