Ben's Centre in Sheffield is marking 30 years of supporting people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and rough sleeping. The charity, originally called Ben's Place, was founded in 1996 by PC Ian "Ben" Sherman, a police officer who grew frustrated at seeing the same people repeatedly getting into trouble for street drinking and wanted to offer help instead. It matters because the centre remains one of the few local services willing to support people while they are actively under the influence, filling a gap other organisations often will not.

Sherman's idea, backed by Sheffield City Council, TSB bank and public donations, opened in Norfolk Row before later relocating to Wilkinson Street in Broomhall. It operates as a "damp centre", offering food, warmth, showers and companionship regardless of whether visitors are sober, and is thought to be the only such service in Sheffield. CEO Sarah Batty says many clients who are "street homeless" come mainly for company after being ignored elsewhere, and the charity helped 462 vulnerable people last year, more than double the number in 2021.