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# Thames Reach
Thames Reach is a London homeless charity
## Posts
### [Eastbourne and Lewes pilot concludes with full caseload housed ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/09/08/eastbourne-and-lewes-pilot-concludes-with-full-caseload-housed/)
**Published:** September 8, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Ellen Harper talks about her experiences working in a 12-month pilot supporting entrenched rough sleepers in Eastbourne and Lewes
**Content:**
A 12-month Thames Reach pilot supporting people with long histories of rough sleeping and complex needs in Eastbourne and Lewes has concluded with everyone on its caseload moving into accommodation.
The Target Priority Group (TPG) pilot provided intensive, personalised support to people who had often found it difficult to engage with services. Ellen Harper, Senior Practitioner, worked as the pilot’s sole dedicated member of staff, building relationships with people at their own pace and coordinating the wider support they needed.
By the end of the pilot, everyone Ellen supported had been housed. Those initially placed in temporary accommodation also have plans in place to help them move towards a longer-term home.
#### **Building trust over time**
Many of the people referred to the pilot had experienced homelessness for a prolonged period and had little trust in services. For Ellen, progress began with consistency: continuing to meet people, listening to them and making it clear that support remained available without pressuring them to accept it.
Two people supported by the pilot had been living together in a van. Neither initially wanted to engage with services.
Ellen said: “One of the guys who had been there a bit longer, I consistently met with him every single week for two months. We just went to McDonald’s and I sat with him. He did eventually agree to let me do a homelessness application with him.”
As trust developed, Ellen was also able to help him access benefits and medication. He was subsequently offered a council flat.
Seeing the progress his friend had made also helped the second person begin to engage. He has since moved into a privately rented home.
Ellen said: “Being able to get both of them out of the van, which was infested with rats and had no running water or toilets, was really good.”
#### **Continuing to show up**
Another person had been living in a tent for four years while experiencing severe mental ill health. He had no phone, money or identification and had not engaged with services for several years.
Ellen continued visiting him for nine months, despite his initial reluctance to speak to her.
“Eventually, he said, ‘I want accommodation now,’” she explained. “We managed to get him to work with the council, got him into emergency accommodation, got his benefits sorted, got him an ID and got him a bank card.”
He has now moved into a Housing First property, where he receives daily support.
“There are still a lot to work on with him, but he’s off the street and working with people for the first time in years,” Ellen said. “That’s been really good.”
#### **Creating support that lasts**
Finding accommodation was only one part of the pilot. A central element of Ellen’s role was building a team of appropriate services around each person so that they would continue to receive support after the pilot ended.
“A lot of these people didn’t have a support team,” Ellen explained. “It was about trying to get the right, relevant people in and get that engagement up.”
This included connecting people with mental health services, benefits support, councils, Housing First teams and local outreach services. During the final months of the pilot, Ellen worked to transfer each person’s support to the professionals and services best placed to continue it.
The pilot’s results demonstrate what can be achieved through persistent, person-centred support. By giving people the time and space to develop trust, while bringing services together around their individual needs, the project has helped everyone on its caseload take an important step away from rough sleeping.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Prime Minister announces next steps to end rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/prime-minister-announces-next-steps-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** August 19, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We welcome the Government’s commitment to offer everyone sleeping rough a route off the streets this winter
**Content:**
Thames Reach welcomes Prime Minister [Andy Burnham’s announcement yesterday](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-launches-national-drive-to-get-everyone-in-for-christmas) outlining the next steps in the Government’s national drive to end rough sleeping. These include immediate action to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas, backed by increased funding of £442 million.
Ensuring that people can access safe emergency accommodation is vital, particularly during the coldest months of the year. However, a bed for the night is only the first step away from the street.
If we are to end rough sleeping for good, people must also have access to suitable, long-term accommodation and the tailored support they need. This includes support to address the issues associated with their homelessness, such as physical and mental ill health, substance use and trauma, and to build safe and fulfilling lives away from the streets.
At Thames Reach, ending rough sleeping is our mission. We will continue working with national and local government, our partners and communities to turn this commitment into lasting change and make the vision of ending rough sleeping a reality.
[Read the Government’s press release for more details about the announcement.](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-launches-national-drive-to-get-everyone-in-for-christmas)
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** News
---
### [BBC Interview: Helping people off the streets during heatwaves](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/helping-people-off-the-streets-during-heatwaves-bbc-interview/)
**Published:** August 19, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Area Manager Charley Matthews spoke about how extreme heat affects people sleeping rough, the support Thames Reach provides and how the public can help
**Content:**
Last week, **Charley Matthews, Area Manager at Thames Reach, spoke to Nikki Bedi on BBC Radio London** about our work supporting people sleeping rough during heatwaves.
This summer has been particularly challenging, with repeated spells of very hot weather since May. While high temperatures can be uncomfortable for everyone, people sleeping rough face additional risks when they have limited access to shade, drinking water and other ways to stay cool.
During the interview, Charley spoke about how Thames Reach teams continue to work with people on the streets throughout the year, helping them access the support and accommodation they need to move away from rough sleeping as quickly as possible.
She also explained some of the ways members of the public can help if they are concerned about someone sleeping rough during hot weather, including offering water where appropriate and using **StreetLink** to connect someone with local outreach services.
Charley also highlighted the importance of public support for organisations like Thames Reach. Our teams are out every day, building relationships with people sleeping rough and helping them take the steps towards a life away from the streets.
Heatwaves and extreme weather can bring greater attention to rough sleeping, but the need for this work continues all year round. [Donations](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1) and [support from the public](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/) help us continue providing practical, sustained support to people experiencing homelessness across London.
**Listen to Charley’s full interview with Nikki Bedi on BBC Radio London below.**
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** News
---
### [Thames Reach projects shortlisted for London Homelessness Awards 2024](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/07/03/thames-reach-projects-shortlisted-for-london-homelessness-awards-2024/)
**Published:** July 3, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Two of our projects, PLACE and CHA, have been shortlisted for this year's awards
**Content:**
Thames Reach is thrilled to announce that our projects Pan London Accommodation & Community Engagement (PLACE) and Connect Home Aspire (CHA) have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 London Homelessness Awards. This recognition highlights our commitment to providing innovative solutions to homelessness in London.
The London Homelessness Awards, now in their 25th year, celebrate projects that make significant strides in preventing and reducing homelessness across the capital. With a prize fund of £60,000, the awards acknowledge initiatives that demonstrate exceptional impact and dedication.
Fiona Sutherland, Area Director at Thames Reach, expressed her gratitude: “We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the 2024 London Homelessness Awards. Our collaboration with Cromwood Housing Group and other partners has enabled us to provide 526 affordable tenancies, supporting 724 individuals away from homelessness. As with most services we deliver here at Thames Reach, this is a partnership, and I’d like to thank our partners for working closely with us to deliver this innovative model.”
Mark Wajnsztok, Lettings and Tenancy Manager at Cromwood Housing Group, praised the teams involved: “Cromwood is really proud that our partners at the CHA & PLACE teams at Thames Reach have been shortlisted for this award. It is a testament to all the hard work they have put into helping their clients, working collaboratively with Cromwood to provide a much-needed supply of quality homes that are affordable and well-managed.”
The projects, [PLACE](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/recovery/place/) and [CHA](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/), emerged as a response to the urgent need to move individuals out of temporary accommodations into sustainable housing. They have successfully supported hundreds of people in securing long-term homes, fostering independence and enhancing their quality of life.
Simon Dow, Chair of the judging panel for the London Homelessness Awards, commended this year’s shortlist: “Once again we have a terrific shortlist of projects for this year’s award. Here is real evidence of the endless ingenuity and determination of the organisations working with homeless people in London. We are proud to broadcast their successes.”
The final winner and runners-up will be announced at a special event later this year, where the recipient of the prize fund will be revealed. Thames Reach looks forward to the opportunity to further promote our housing-led approach and collaborate with stakeholders to expand our impact citywide.
For more information about the awards, please visit
**Categories:** News
---
### [Thames Reach sign UNISON Anti-Racism Charter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/04/01/thames-reach-sign-unison-anti-racism-charter/)
**Published:** April 1, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** This week, Thames Reach officially signed UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter, a document designed to tackle racism in the workplace.
**Content:**
This week, Thames Reach officially signed UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter, a document designed to tackle racism in the workplace.
The charter, signed by Thames Reach Chief Executive [Bill Tidnam](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/bill-tidnam/ "Bill Tidnam"), details a list of policies aimed at making workplaces actively anti-racist. It requires commitment to enact them, on an ongoing basis, within 12 months of signing.
## **Proud to sign**
Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said: “I am proud to be able to sign Unison’s anti-racism charter on behalf of Thames Reach. The need to challenge racism has always been central to [our vision and mission](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-mission/ "Our vision and mission"). We understand the links between the racism experienced by the people who use [our services](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/ "What we do"), and the homelessness and housing need they experience.
“Signing this Charter, and committing to developing and executing the action plan associated with it, will help challenge us to maintain our focus on this work in a changing environment.
Yvonne Scott-Henry, Chair of Thames Reach’s Race Employee Resource Group, said: “Signing this Anti-Racism Charter is a positive milestone for Thames Reach. I’m committed to contributing to the next steps. We want this charter to embed in our everyday practice and remain a meaningful part of how we work.’
**Categories:** News
---
### [From volunteering to a career in care: Nasrin's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/28/from-volunteering-to-a-career/)
**Published:** July 28, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Nasrin found that volunteering at Thames Reach helped open the door to her first role in health and social care
**Content:**
When Nasrin completed her degree in Health and Care Management, she was eager to start her career. But like many graduates, she quickly discovered a common challenge: employers were looking for experience. Determined to build her skills and gain insight into the sector, Nasrin began volunteering with our Southwark Mental Health Team in November 2025.
“I thought volunteering would be a great opportunity to enrich my CV,” she says. “I also believed that this experience would be an opportunity to open future doors.”
#### Learning through experience
The role gave Nasrin her first experience of working in an office environment and helped her develop practical skills that she couldn’t learn in a classroom.
“When I joined Thames Reach, it was my first experience of seeing a working and office environment,” she explains. “I learned how people collaborate, how they communicate with each other, how to contact clients and how to support them. It was a great experience for me.”
Throughout her placement, Nasrin was supported by her Thames Reach supervisor, who helped her build confidence and develop professionally.
“She guided me every step of the way,” says Nasrin. “She helped me understand how to apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and handle difficult situations.”
#### Turning experience into employment
Alongside volunteering, Nasrin continued applying for paid roles in the health and social care sector. She used the experience she gained at Thames Reach to strengthen her CV and demonstrate her ability to work with and support vulnerable people.
Despite facing many rejections during her job search, Nasrin remained positive.
“I kept telling myself that ‘no’ is the next opportunity,” she says. “Hopefully something better is waiting for me.”
After months of applications and perseverance, her efforts paid off. Nasrin has now secured a role as a Care Coordinator, where she will support service users, develop person-centred care plans and oversee a team of care workers.
Looking back, she believes her volunteering experience played a significant role in helping her secure the position.
“Volunteering helped me gain experience and confidence. Employers want to see experience, and volunteering gave me that opportunity.”
#### Why volunteering matters
For Nasrin, volunteering offered much more than experience. It gave her encouragement, confidence and a clearer sense of direction for her future career.
Reflecting on the support she received, one moment in particular has stayed with her.
“My supervisor said to me one day, ‘You can see this chair? One day you will become a manager.’ Those words are always in my heart.”
Today, as she prepares to start her new role, Nasrin hopes others will consider volunteering as a way to gain skills, confidence and experience.
“I recommend volunteering to everyone,” she says. “It is one of the great opportunities. Everyone should take it.”
#### Interested in volunteering with Thames Reach?
Volunteers play an important role across Thames Reach services, supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness while gaining valuable skills and experience of their own.
Whether you’re looking to build your confidence, develop your career or give back to your community, volunteering could be the first step on your journey. [Find out more about our current volunteering opportunities and how to apply.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [New Prime Minister pledges to end rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/22/new-prime-minister-pledges-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** July 22, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We welcome Andy Burnham’s commitment to ending rough sleeping and stand ready to play our part.
**Content:**
Most people will now be aware that Andy Burnham’s first announcement as Prime Minister, was that working to end rough sleeping would be his ‘first instruction’; this was combined with an announcement of £340 million to help ‘long-term’ rough sleepers with accommodation and support. For Thames Reach, an organisation whose mission is to end rough sleeping and which has a particular focus on people who have been on the streets for longer, this is welcome news.
This is not the first time a political leader, or even a Prime Minister, has made a pledge like this. However, as mayor of Manchester, Mr Burnham was notably engaged with the issue of homelessness and rough sleeping, not least by donating 15% of his salary to the ‘bed every night’ scheme in Manchester.
A gradual increase in the number of people sleeping rough in Manchester after an initial significant drop in 2017/8 may only underline the point that while local solutions to homelessness and rough sleeping are important, this is not a problem with purely local solutions. While access to housing is a vital part of the solution, it is a more complex issue that requires commitment and coordination from many other parts of government and society, notably the health, criminal justice and asylum systems as well as charities and other community organisations.
Ending rough sleeping means making sure that people can stay off the streets for good, but it also means making sure that our systems do not default to homelessness for people who are poor, who have experienced multiple disadvantage, and who do not have the help that many of us take for granted.
Political leadership is key to this co-ordinated response, and we welcome the leadership that Mr Burnham has given. As ever, Thames Reach is ready to play our part in ending rough sleeping.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** News
---
### [Resettlement Support Team Evaluation](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/15/resettlement-support-team-evaluation/)
**Published:** July 15, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach are looking to contract an independent evaluator to design and deliver an evaluation of the Resettlement Support Team pilot from August 2026 to July 2027.
**Content:**
#### Evaluation of the Resettlement Support Team (RST) 2.0
####
#### About the project:
Thames Reach are looking to contract an independent evaluator to design and deliver an evaluation of the Resettlement Support Team pilot from August 2026 to July 2027. The budget for the project is up to £32,863 (Including VAT).
We are looking for the evaluator to start as soon as possible, with the final report delivered by July 2027. Working hours can be flexible.
- The Resettlement Support Team pilot is funded by the GLA and delivered by Thames Reach, operating across three participating high-support hostels delivered through an embedded specialist Resettlement Support Team model.
- The intervention aims to provide intensive specialist resettlement support:
- Bring additional capacity and specialist expertise focused specifically on move on
- to improve move-on outcomes in high support hostels,
- reduce long stays in hostels,
- strengthen tenancy sustainment and
- improve hostel throughput.
- Thames Reach delivered the first successful RST pilot in 2024-25 and are keen to build on the learning from this pilot and test the effectiveness of the team in different locations and contexts. The evaluation of the service is available [here](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RST-Final-Report.pdf).
Purpose of the evaluation:
The evaluation must generate robust, credible evidence to:
- Assess the **impact** of the RST model on key outcomes
- Understand **how and why** the model works in practice
- Provide clear recommendations on **future development and scale-up**
*The evaluation will be overseen by* Thames Reach*.*
Deliverables:
On completion of the project the evaluator will provide a final research report outlining the findings and analysis. Throughout the duration of the project there will be planned check in points with a more detailed update provided at the midway point.
The final report should be produced to a standard, and in a format, which would allow for external circulation. The GLA and Thames Reach may share the report with an external audience, including:
- Local Authority Rough Sleeping Commissioning Managers and Rough Sleeping Leads
- National audiences including Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
- Rough sleeping charities and other support and housing providers.
Additional to the final report a presentation should be produced to present the findings to Thames Reach and the GLA. This may be presented in partnership working groups and forums, we welcome the delivery of additional supporting resources such as infographics or other presentations.
How to express interest:
Please send no more than 2 sides of A4 to Ruth Shepherd () outlining:
- Your interest in the project
- Relevant skills and experience, including links to similar or relevant research
- A brief outline of how you would structure the evaluation, including key milestones, research methodologies, specific project activities, risks and mitigations.
- A brief outline on the final product you would deliver
**\*\*\*The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 3rd August 2026\*\*\***
#### Objectives of the Evaluation
#### To assess impact
Determine the extent to which RST improves:
- Positive move-on outcomes from hostels
- Length of stay in supported accommodation
- Throughput within participating services
- Sustained accommodation outcomes (3–6 months)
- Reduction in repeat rough sleeping
- Staff practice and organisational culture
#### To examine delivery and implementation
Develop a clear understanding of:
- How the RST model operates in practice
- Differences in delivery across sites
- Factors that enable or constrain effectiveness
- The role of co-location and specialist expertise
#### To understand lived experience
The evaluation will need to:
- Understand the impact of RST on individuals’ experiences, outcomes, and journeys through supported accommodation.
- Collate client case studies that include the clients background, support received from RST, their move-on journey, outcomes and reflections from the client where possible.
- Collate light touch feedback such as a short survey or feedback form to understand how the RST helped, what was most useful and what could be improved.
#### To inform scalability:
Identify:
- The key components required for successful replication
- Contextual factors influencing outcomes
- Recommendations for expansion across London
#### To assess value for money:
Provide an assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the intervention, including:
- Cost per move-on outcome
- Cost per sustained tenancy (where feasible)
- Consideration of system-level efficiencies (e.g. reduced length of stay)
**N.B**
Potential evaluators are invited to propose the most appropriate design, outcome framework and hierarchy of outcomes for this study, with a clear rationale. The sponsor (Thames Reach and GLA) would like the work to address the objectives set out above, though there is flexibility to define and recommend specific primary and secondary outcomes, or an alternative hierarchy, where this would strengthen the study. Proposals should explain how the selected outcomes align with the objectives, the intervention logic, available data, and the proposed approach.
Evaluators should also set out their chosen methodology, including the rationale behind it, any key assumptions, feasibility considerations, and implications for the strength of evidence generated. The sponsor is open to different approaches, provided these are proportionate, feasible and capable of meeting the study’s aims.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** lewisham
---
### [Helping people take their next step towards work ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/06/17/helping-people-take-their-next-step-towards-work/)
**Published:** June 17, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Since we last featured Nicholas, his volunteering role has evolved, but his commitment to supporting people into employment remains the same
**Content:**
When we [first spoke to Nicholas in 2024](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/12/12/volunteering-with-thames-reach-turning-experience-into-support-for-others/), he had already spent years volunteering with Thames Reach, using his lived experience and skills to support people rebuilding their confidence and moving towards employment.
Nearly two years later, Nicholas is still volunteering, but his role has evolved alongside the changing needs of the people Thames Reach supports.
Today, he volunteers with the Southwark Works Employment Support service, helping people with mental health challenges take practical steps towards returning to work.
#### **Adapting to change**
Over the years, Nicholas has supported several employment-focused services at Thames Reach, from Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to in-work progression projects and, most recently, employment support for people with mental health needs.
Reflecting on that journey, he says: “There’s been quite a lot of change since then within the organisation.”
While services have evolved, Nicholas has remained committed to supporting people on their journey towards greater independence and stability.
For him, employment support is about much more than helping someone find a job.
“When I started volunteering with Thames Reach, it had grown so much from how it originally started as a frontline service,” he says. “There came a realisation that actually, how do you help people to maintain their tenancy? How do we help them integrate back into society and learn valuable life skills so that they can pick up their lives again once they’ve got secure accommodation?”
**Volunteering from Yorkshire**
One of the biggest changes in Nicholas’s volunteering journey has been where he volunteers from.
Having moved to Yorkshire almost five years ago, he now supports people remotely, demonstrating how volunteering can adapt to people’s circumstances while still making a meaningful difference.
“Since COVID, there’s a lot of remote information and support that’s available that wasn’t available in that way before,” he says. “That’s absolutely great for people on a limited income or people who are struggling with mental health barriers.”
Nicholas sees similar benefits in remote volunteering and support services, helping remove barriers for people who may otherwise struggle to access opportunities.
#### **Supporting people back into employment**
In his current role, Nicholas works one-to-one with people who are ready to begin thinking about employment again after a period away from work.
The support starts with understanding each person’s goals and helping them create a realistic plan to achieve them.
“We start to get an idea of what it is that they want to do,” he explains. “Their long-term goal, but then short-term and medium-term goals to get to that long-term goal.”
From there, support can include CV development, interview preparation, identifying training opportunities and exploring volunteering as a stepping stone towards employment.
Many of the people Nicholas works with have experienced long periods of isolation or poor mental health, making confidence-building an important part of the process.
“There’s people who’ve never really broken out of that,” he says. “They’ve stayed in this isolation and lost confidence as well.”
#### **Celebrating success**
Despite the challenges many people face, Nicholas says the role remains incredibly rewarding.
Recently, one of the people he had been supporting attended an employment event organised through the Employment Academy. Shortly afterwards, she secured a job.
“I was really pleased because she’d really worked very hard,” Nicholas says. “She’d booked in for loads of volunteering at different organisations.”
The news arrived just before what would have been their final session together.
“I got a message saying, ‘Really sorry, I’m not going to be able to make the session because I’ve been given the job that I applied for.'”
For Nicholas, moments like these are a reminder of why he continues volunteering after more than eight years.
“I’ve been enjoying the clients that I’ve been working with,” he says. “It’s been quite rewarding.”
#### **Interested in volunteering with Thames Reach?**
Volunteers play a vital role across Thames Reach services, supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to build confidence, develop skills and move towards their goals. [Click here to see our current opportunities.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/12/12/volunteering-with-thames-reach-turning-experience-into-support-for-others/)
Whether you’re looking to gain experience, use your skills to help others or make a difference in your community, there are a range of opportunities to get involved.
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Thirteen years of volunteering with Thames Reach: Huon’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/06/04/thirteen-years-of-volunteering-with-thames-reach-huons-story/)
**Published:** June 4, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Huon shares why supporting people experiencing homelessness has remained an important part of his life over the years
**Content:**
When Huon first started volunteering with Thames Reach more than a decade ago, London’s homelessness landscape looked very different.
Since then, he has spent years supporting outreach teams across London, most recently volunteering with our City Outreach team. Along the way, he has witnessed changes in homelessness services, worked alongside dedicated staff and volunteers, and remained committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness.
But for Huon, volunteering has always been about more than giving his time.
#### **A lifelong commitment**
Originally from Australia, Huon spent much of his working life in Italy, where he volunteered with organisations supporting refugees, people experiencing homelessness and others facing hardship.
“I’ve worked with marginalised groups since I was at school, university, so quite a long time,” he says.
After moving to the UK in 2012, where he works at a hospital in South London, he began volunteering with Thames Reach and has continued ever since.
For Huon, working with people facing homelessness has reinforced a simple truth.
“A marginalised person or a homeless person is very similar, whether they’re in Indonesia, whether they’re in Italy, whether they’re in London, or in Australia where I come from.”
#### **Why volunteering matters**
Asked what has kept him volunteering for so many years, Huon reflects on the impact volunteering has on volunteers themselves.
“I think volunteering as an act of civic consciousness protects us from becoming indifferent,” he says. “It makes us look, and it makes it easier for us to look at suffering in people in marginalised groups on the streets and so forth.”
While volunteers may only spend a few hours a week supporting a service, Huon believes those experiences help people remain connected to issues that can otherwise become easy to overlook.
“I’ve always thought this for volunteers: the benefits are far greater than the benefits for the clients that we’re working with. It diminishes the indifference that we are always susceptible to in our street life.”
#### **Being part of a team**
Over the years, Huon has volunteered with several Thames Reach outreach teams. Most recently, he joined the City Outreach team, where he values the strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose.
He also appreciates the opportunity to work alongside experienced outreach workers who are committed to supporting people sleeping rough.
“Working with the workers is always a pleasure,” he says. “The people are pretty highly motivated, and that’s always a very positive thing.”
#### **Looking beyond the street**
One of the things Huon values most is understanding that outreach work is about more than a single conversation or assessment. He believes effective support relies on continuity, relationships and a shared understanding of what happens after someone is encountered on the street.
Reflecting on his recent experience with City Outreach, he says: “I have the idea that there’s more continuity of care and there’s more understanding among the workers, not just assessing somebody on the street, but what happens the next day and what happens in the following days.”
That focus on long-term support is one of the reasons he continues to volunteer after so many years.
#### **Interested in volunteering with Thames Reach?**
Volunteers are an important part of our work supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across London.
Whether you’re looking to give back to your community, learn new skills or gain insight into homelessness services, there are a range of opportunities to get involved.
[Find out more about volunteering with Thames Reach and discover how you can make a difference.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [How to help people sleeping rough in heatwaves](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/05/27/severe-weather/)
**Published:** May 27, 2026
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Rough sleeping can be incredibly dangerous in severe weather. Here is how we are helping people off the streets
**Content:**
When temperatures in London soar, much of the advice on coping with extreme heat presumes that everyone has a home. There’s very little advice on how to help people sleeping rough in heatwaves. Hot weather can be very difficult to deal with for people who are vulnerably housed or sleeping rough, and can often prove dangerous.
Staying safe in extremely hot conditions is much harder if you don’t have access to cooler spaces, or somewhere to wash yourself. People experiencing homelessness are also much more likely to have poor physical and mental health, which often exacerbates the likeliness and severity of heat-related illnesses. These can include minor symptoms, such as headaches and dizziness, though in severe cases, a person may become unconscious or have a seizure.
If a Level 3 Heat Health Alert is issued, it indicates a significant risk to health from prolonged high temperatures. This alert requires proactive measures to protect the most vulnerable, including those sleeping rough.
### What to expect
All boroughs in London will activate their local arrangements to support people sleeping rough during a heatwave. This includes implementing additional measures to ensure their safety and well-being.
**Outreach Teams –** Outreach teams will conduct extra welfare checks, distribute bottled water and sun cream, and assess individual needs. They will work to help people transition from the streets to suitable accommodation safely.
**Cool spaces –** ‘Cool Spaces’ are available across London to provide relief on extremely hot days. These include indoor and outdoor areas where people can find respite from the heat. [Use this interactive map](https://apps.london.gov.uk/cool-spaces/) to locate Cool Spaces, water fountains, and accessible indoor areas here.
### How you can help
There are lots of ways that the public can help people sleeping rough in heatwaves. If you see someone in the street who you are concerned about because they appear to be homeless, you can ask them if they would like water or a drink with electrolytes. Anything chilled or frozen can be worth offering too, as it reduces our core body temperature. A sun hat or sun cream can also help with minimising risks caused by the sun, such as heat stroke. Finally, you can refer anyone you see rough sleeping to [Streetlink](https://www.streetlink.org.uk/), so that an outreach team can support them, and make them an offer of accommodation.
**If you want to report someone sleeping rough, please visit StreetLink and choose the option to help someone sleeping rough: [www.thestreetlink.org.uk](https://thestreetlink.org.uk)**
**If you are sleeping rough, please visit Streetlink and choose the option to get help for yourself: [www.thestreetlink.org.uk](https://thestreetlink.org.uk)**
**If you think someone is in need of urgent care or is in immediate danger, please call 999.**
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** award, Floating support, lewisham, london homelessness awards, Prevention, Recovery
---
### [Balancing outreach, safety and enforcement on the streets](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/05/19/balancing-outreach-safety-and-enforcement-on-the-streets/)
**Published:** May 19, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** A think piece by Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive, reflecting on the role support, safety and enforcement agencies can play in helping people move away from rough sleeping
**Content:**
This was a shift in a suburban high street towards the end of February. The weather was unseasonably mild, and I walked with two outreach colleagues along the shopping street just after seven. This is late for many morning [outreach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/accommodation-and-outreach/) shifts, but too early for the shoppers.
The shift was looking for some of the longer-term rough sleepers in the area, and we talked to one man who had slept on the streets for several weeks, but who was reluctant to return to the borough where he had a local connection, and possibly access to a flat which he was unwilling to return to because of a dispute. He was in a sleeping bag when we arrived, but he packed up his stuff after we talked to him and followed us along the street.
### Outreach in a changing high street
Around us were others sleeping rough, but others, not obviously sleeping rough, who were hanging around at a distance. They were talking to some of the people sleeping there, and as we drew closer, they were telling the rough sleepers to ignore us and complaining that we had done nothing to help them. We were then distracted by a woman who came up to us, flung her backpack on the ground and threatened to take an overdose, saying that things were getting too much for her.
The workers I was with knew her and managed to calm her down to some degree, and promised to arrange for her to meet a drug worker later in the day. We then moved on and tried to speak to a man who was angry and who would not speak to us because we had not yet been able to house him. He had a bad cough and was talking to himself.
As we made our way up the high street we met other people who were known to the team, reminding them of appointments, or forthcoming emergency accommodation places and we began to gather a small group around us – the man we had first spoken to was keen to introduce us to the people who were sleeping rough in the area, and in some cases to speak on their behalf, and the woman who had approached us earlier came and went sometimes bringing other people with her.
There were more people around now, and we checked a supermarket car park, where the team knew that people had been seen sleeping rough -they weren’t there, but the cleaners told us that people had slept there last night, and they’d gone now.
As we returned to the high street, it was now around 8.30, and our friend introduced us to a young man by a bus stop. We were told he’d just been discharged from prison and had clearly taken heroin. He wasn’t clear where he had slept last night, but he was cold and clearly vulnerable. We bought him a coffee from the nearby bakery, gave him a cheap ‘burner’ phone, and arranged to meet him later as the group around us grew. The woman we had talked to earlier got into an argument and threw her coffee against the shop window, and we met a local drug worker who was looking for a shared client.
We had met and maintained contact with several people sleeping rough in the area and had begun the process of securing them suitable accommodation. The team’s work hadn’t been helped by the activity around us, some of it distracting and some of it actively working to keep people on the streets, and probably aimed at maintaining a busy local drugs market.
### Safety, enforcement and support
The area in question is particularly, and understandably, concerned about anti-social behaviour, and associates this with the prevalence of rough sleeping. There’s some truth in this- drug dealers will use the chaos and hopelessness around rough sleeping to sell drugs, and a significant proportion of rough sleepers will consume them. This is, however, not purely a rough sleeping problem, and the solutions are more nuanced.
We did not see any police officers on our shift, and while the council concerned does employ staff to manage anti-social behaviour in the town centre, they tend to work when the shops are open.
There has been a long history of perceived tension between ‘enforcement’ agencies and people who sleep on the streets, as well as notable examples of positive relations between the two (the cleaners we spoke to knew the people sleeping rough in their car park and spoke positively about them). In our shift, we didn’t see anything that would have drawn a particular ‘enforcement’ response – it seems unlikely that any arrest would have taken place or fines issued.
There is, though, an argument that the regular presence of these agencies would have made it more difficult for the people who were involved in the supply of drugs, and possibly made the people who were sleeping there a little safer than they were.
At Thames Reach, we believe that the people we support are not beyond the law, but also that they should receive the same protection as any other member of society. To do this, we recognise that we need the help and support of these enforcement agencies to keep people safe and to allow us to do our job of getting people off the streets.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [New CHAIN figures show drop in rough sleeping across London ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/05/12/new-chain-figures-show-drop-in-rough-sleeping-across-london/)
**Published:** May 12, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** New figures show a welcome reduction in rough sleeping across London, but there is still a long way to go
**Content:**
We welcome the [latest figures](https://data.london.gov.uk/download/2n88x/pj1/Greater%20London%202025-26%20Q4.pdf) from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), which show a reduction in the number of people recorded sleeping rough in London.
The data shows that 3,944 people were seen sleeping rough in the capital between January and March 2026, an 11% decrease compared to the same period last year.
While any reduction in the number of people forced to sleep on the streets is encouraging, it is important to understand the full picture behind the figures and ensure progress can be sustained in the long term.
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, said:
*“It is positive to see rough sleeping numbers moving in the right direction, and we welcome any indication that fewer people are having to sleep on London’s streets.*
*“At the same time, we know that thousands of people are still experiencing the trauma and danger of rough sleeping every night, and for homelessness organisations working on the frontline, the urgency of the situation remains very real.*
*“We welcome the work that is going on at national and London level to translate strategy into action that will help us deliver long term change and bring us closer to our goal of ending rough sleeping. It’s important to remember that for people who are living on the streets this change cannot come soon enough, and that every night spent sleeping rough compounds the damage to their health, confidence and prospects for a full recovery.”*
We know there is still a long way to go, and these figures highlight the importance of continued investment in [homelessness prevention](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/), outreach services, mental health support and access to suitable, affordable housing.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** News
---
### [Thames Reach walk the London Walk 2026](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/03/24/thames-reach-takes-the-london-walk-2026/)
**Published:** March 24, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Some of our employees, supporters and corporate partners came together for the London Walk, raising funds to support people facing homelessness
**Content:**
Last Friday, Thames Reach took part once again in the [London Walk](https://thamesreach.org.uk/london-walk-2026/), with a brilliant team of 14 walkers coming together in support of our work to end homelessness.
Our team was a real mix of Thames Reach employees, dedicated supporters, and colleagues from our fantastic corporate partner, Bevan Brittan – whose team, the *BB Walkaholics*, brought great energy to the night.
Together, they took on a range of distances, from 10k to half-marathon and full marathon routes, walking through the night across central London. Whether it was their first challenge or one they’ve taken on before, every single person showed incredible commitment and determination.
We’re so grateful for the time, effort and heart that each walker put into this. Not only did they complete their chosen distances, but they also went above and beyond, raising more than our collective fundraising target to support people we work with across London.
Every step taken and every pound raised helps us continue to provide vital support to people facing homelessness. A huge thank you to all our walkers – and to everyone who supported them along the way.
If you’d also like to get involved and support Thames Reach through a corporate partnership or a challenge event, [click here and explore your options.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/)
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** News
---
### [Andy’s journey into volunteering with outreach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/05/06/andys-journey-into-volunteering-with-outreach/)
**Published:** May 6, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** After experiencing homelessness himself, Andy is now supporting others on the streets of London
**Content:**
Andy’s journey with homelessness began more than a decade ago, following a series of events that left him without a stable place to live. After a fire destroyed his flat and months of uncertainty followed, things began to unravel.
“I just had a breakdown, basically,” he says.
What followed was a period of more than a year sleeping rough. At the time, Andy was also dealing with challenges he didn’t fully understand yet.
It wasn’t until much later in life that Andy discovered he is autistic, helping him make sense of the anxiety and burnout he had experienced for years.
Eventually, support from outreach services helped him move off the streets and into accommodation. Over time, Andy rebuilt his life and has now been living independently in his own flat for more than ten years.
### **Giving something back**
Today, Andy is using his experience to support others by volunteering with one of our outreach teams.
“Outreach got me back on my feet again. I just kind of like to try and pay that back,” he says.
Outreach shifts take place at night, supporting people sleeping rough across London. Andy works alongside [the team](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/12/20/what-do-outreach-workers-do/), helping ensure safety and gradually building his confidence in engaging directly with people on the streets.
Over time, he has started to take on more responsibility, including training to support administrative tasks during outreach.
“I’ve gotten a bit more comfortable with dealing with clients… the more shifts I do, the more I get used to it,” he says.
For Andy, volunteering is not just about helping others. It has also brought structure and purpose to his own life.
“It’s always kind of important for me to make sure I keep going out and doing stuff… it triggers a routine,” he explains.
### **Looking ahead**
Andy is now considering a future working in outreach, something he once experienced from the other side.
“I could see myself working in the outreach sector… it’s very much in my wheelhouse because I’ve got the experience of actually being on the streets,” he says.
He believes that lived experience can make a real difference when supporting others.
“Being able to relate to the client’s problems might make it easier for them to actually open up to me,” he reflects.
Andy’s journey shows how, with the right support, people can rebuild their lives and go on to make a meaningful difference to others facing similar challenges.
### **Get involved**
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our work across London. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, build confidence, or give something back, there are many ways to get involved.
If Andy’s story has inspired you, [take a look at our current volunteer opportunities](https://thames-reach.goassemble.com/opportunities/results#display=grid&s=date_advertised&o=desc&limit=14&include=image&public_search=true) and find out how you can support people sleeping rough in London.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Running the London Marathon for Thames Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/04/30/running-the-london-marathon-for-thames-reach/)
**Published:** April 30, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Two dedicated Thames Reach supporters took on the London Marathon and raised over £4,000 to help people move away from homelessness
**Content:**
Last Sunday, the streets of London were filled with energy as thousands of runners took on the London Marathon. Among them were two dedicated supporters of Thames Reach, [Alice](https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/alice-strachan) from Dexters and [Kate](https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/LwkiClpKxFoPq3Ntqs9TzUJbn?domain=2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com) from Bevan Brittan, two organisations that we are very grateful to have as our corporate partners.
**Together, they raised over £4,000 to support people facing homelessness.**
For Alice, the challenge was even bigger. She completed both the Paris and London marathons in less than two weeks, fundraising for Thames Reach across both races. Reflecting on the experience, she said:
*“That was truly one of the best (albeit tough!) experiences of my life, and I want to say a massive thank you.”*
Kate also shared what the day meant to her:
*“It was such a privilege to be able to run for Thames Reach, and I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity!”*
Every mile they ran will help us continue supporting people to move away from homelessness and towards a more stable future. Fundraising efforts like these play a vital role in making sure we can be there for people who need us.
We are incredibly grateful to Alice and Kate for taking on this challenge, and to everyone who supported them along the way.
### Get involved
If their story has inspired you, there are plenty of ways to support Thames Reach. Whether it’s through a corporate partnership, running, walking or creating your own challenge, every effort helps us continue our work across London.
[Explore ways to fundraise and support Thames Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/ "Explore ways to fundraise and support Thames Reach")
**Categories:** News
---
### [Rethinking substance misuse treatment](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/03/27/rethinking-substance-misuse-treatment/)
**Published:** March 27, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** A think piece by Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive
**Content:**
Substance misuse and its treatment have been a constant neighbour in my many years of working with people who have been affected by homelessness. But it has changed a great deal during that time.
At one stage, the offer for many people who used the day centre I worked in at the time was either no help, or the long-term and counterproductive prescription of tranquillisers to address symptoms of anxiety and depression. Alternatively, it was a punitive ‘treatment’ programme centred around a hospital inpatient detoxification, followed by a course of Antabuse medication. This was intended to discourage drinking by causing ‘distressing’ symptoms if alcohol was consumed.
I am talking about alcohol, because that, and the aforementioned tranquilisers, tended to be the most used drugs amongst the often quite socially conservative, usually male group who used most of the homelessness services in London at that time. The use of Antabuse has now largely been discontinued, not least because it was found to be carcinogenic. However, alternatives are still in use.
#### **Different routes into treatment**
There was a parallel, rather more fashionable treatment route, largely associated with opiate use. For the well-heeled, or fortunate, this meant months of residential rehabilitation. This was either funded by self or family, or in a few cases, by local authorities. These programmes moved beyond the treatment of the physical symptoms of drug or alcohol use. They also sought to address the root causes.
Both these approaches were supported for many by the twelve-step programmes of Alcoholics Anonymous, and later Narcotics Anonymous. For many, the simplicity and support of that system was what they needed, at the very least, to continue their fight against addiction.
However, for many, the absolutism of the twelve-step programme was too much. They wanted to do something about their drug or alcohol use and were concerned that it was out of hand. But they did not want to stop something that was the most important thing in their lives. This led to a more tolerant approach to substance use.
We began to talk more about ‘harm reduction’. This included an acceptance that safe use could be an acceptable alternative to abstinence, if only as a step on the road to that destination.
#### **The shift towards harm reduction**
Over time, our culture changes, and opiate drug use became far more democratised and more common. Part of the response to the HIV crisis amongst intravenous drug users in the 1990s was an application of this ‘harm management’ approach in this context.
The widespread use of the opiate substitute methadone was part of this shift. So too was the expectation that drug treatment should reach not just the minority who could afford it, or who had the commitment to persuade a council to fund residential treatment. It should also reach the majority who would still use drugs, but now less riskily.
#### **Treatment in the current system**
As we moved into the 2000s, and particularly into the period of austerity post-2010, definitions and approaches to treatment have continued to evolve. There is now an almost universal emphasis on the importance of ‘treatment’. This is defined as regular contact with a drug or alcohol worker, and adherence to community-based treatment, possibly a methadone ‘script’ and/or regular group work.
For many of the people we work with, this treatment does reduce the harm associated with illegal drugs. This includes the health consequences of unsafe use, contaminated or adulterated drugs, and the criminal activity needed to fund them. It may also support people to gain greater insight into their drug or alcohol use. By doing so, it can help to reduce or manage this.
The argument is that this approach is likely to have the most benefit for the most people. This includes the communities affected by the crime and anti-social behaviour associated with addictive drug use. There is much truth in this.
#### **The limits of a management approach**
However, there is a danger to this utilitarian approach.
People who are homeless and receiving community treatment are unlikely to benefit from the support of sympathetic and engaged friends and family. This is the ‘community’ which this type of support implies. Realistically, people will remain in environments where temptation and peer pressure are always present.
In these circumstances, treatment can end up managing some of the social impact of addiction. It may fail to treat the individual. There is a danger that we write off a whole group of people as not worth helping.
#### **Believing in change**
At Thames Reach, we believe in the capacity of the people we work with and for to make real and positive changes in their lives.
When I was writing this piece, I spoke to a couple of colleagues who have lived experience of addiction and who have made these changes. They told me that what made the difference for them was someone making decisions who was prepared to believe that they could change. That belief was matched by a willingness to invest in their future.
I also spoke to another colleague whose work is focused on the area between homelessness, health and addiction. They painted a clear and depressing picture of barriers to treatment. Some are bureaucratic, others are driven by how services are organised. There is also an underlying theme of lack of priority and funding in an area still seen by many as a ‘lifestyle choice’. Alongside this is an acceptance that reducing the harm associated with addiction is the best that can be hoped for.
#### **The case for ambition**
My colleagues show that we can and should expect to do more than this. If we are prepared to invest at the right time, people can change their lives. They can also go on to make a difference to many others. These are the worthwhile returns that investment in treatment can generate.
We need to be prepared to be ambitious. This applies not just to substance misuse treatment, but also to our belief in, and support for, real changes in people’s lives. This will be essential if we are to begin to achieve our mission of ending street homelessness.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Damilola’s journey back to work](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/03/06/damilolas-journey-back-to-work/)
**Published:** March 6, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** With support from our Lambeth IPS team, Damilola rebuilt her confidence, returned to employment and found a renewed sense of purpose.
**Content:**
At Thames Reach, many of our services focus on **prevention** — supporting people early, before a crisis escalates. Our **[Lambeth Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/07/19/lambeth-ips/)**, delivered as part of the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance, helps people receiving mental health support find and sustain good-quality employment. By helping people rebuild stability, purpose and independence, services like this can play an important role in preventing homelessness.
Damilola was supported by the Lambeth IPS team after experiencing mental health difficulties that disrupted her career.
Having previously worked as a communications officer, Damilola hoped to return to a similar role but found it difficult to navigate the process on her own. Through the Lambeth IPS service, she began receiving tailored employment support and regular one-to-one guidance.
“During that difficult time of my life… they supported me to get a new job,” she says.
#### **Support to rebuild confidence**
Damilola met regularly with her employment support worker, who helped her search for opportunities and connected her with employers. Alongside this, she also received ongoing support for her mental health.
“I had meetings with my support worker every couple of weeks, just communicating in terms of what I needed in terms of looking for jobs,” she says.
As her confidence began to return, the service helped her secure a new communications officer role within the Civil Service — allowing her to use her existing skills and experience while rebuilding her routine.
Damilola says returning to work has had a positive impact on her wellbeing.
“I feel like I have a sense of purpose now,” she says. “Just leaving the house… it was a dark time of my life, so it’s nice to see that I’m able to get out of it and see brighter horizons.”
For Damilola, the combination of practical employment support and consistent personal contact made a significant difference during a difficult period.
“Helping people with CVs… giving people the opportunity to get into maybe industries that they haven’t gotten into before.”
She also emphasises how important the routine and connection were while she was out of work.
“It’s just the routine of leaving the house and meeting up with people… that one-to-one contact was really helpful when I wasn’t working.”
Stories like Damilola’s highlight how early support — particularly when someone is experiencing mental health difficulties — can help people rebuild their confidence and regain stability before other issues arise. By supporting people into meaningful employment, services like Lambeth IPS play an important role in helping people move forward with independence and hope.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Dale's story: No one should have to sleep on the streets](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/11/17/dales-story/)
**Published:** November 17, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Your support can help someone like Dale find safety and a place to call home.
**Content:**
After years of sleeping rough, struggling with addiction, and spending time in prison, Dale finally has a home of his own — and a sense of safety he once thought he’d never have again.
Life on the streets was brutal. Every night meant uncertainty, cold, and fear.
“When I was sleeping rough, a big problem was having my things stolen,” Dale remembers. “I’d come back and want to go to sleep, and someone would have taken all my bedding. Once, I ended up sleeping on a rug I pulled out of a bin. I just rolled myself up in it and went to sleep. Or sometimes just in boxes, or on the ground.”
There was rarely a moment to rest.
“Sometimes I didn’t feel safe,” he says. “I’d try to sleep where other people could see me, so I wasn’t completely isolated.”
For people sleeping rough, every day is about survival — and every night, about finding a place that feels even slightly safe.
### A new start with Thames Reach
That began to change when Thames Reach’s outreach team found Dale in Shepherd’s Bush.
“They didn’t expect me to change everything at once,” he says. “They bought me a phone, gave me credit, took me to the hostel, to the job centre. Things just started to happen — little steps.”
With ongoing support, Dale was able to address his health and substance use, access benefits, and rebuild his life. After three and a half years in a Thames Reach hostel, he finally moved into his own home in Notting Hill — a place he’s now been in for nearly six years.
“Moving from the hostel to my own home felt unbelievable,” Dale says. “It’s hard to explain. Having your own place turns everything upside down. One minute you’re outside, the next you can shut your door, turn the key, and no one can come in unless you let them. It feels good.”
Dale still meets regularly with his Thames Reach support worker, Gabrielle.
“She helps with anything I need — job interviews, paperwork, GP appointments,” he says. “The help I get from Thames Reach makes a big difference.”
Looking back, Dale knows how vital that support has been.
“Good things can happen to you,” he says. “Help is out there. I’m taking things day by day now.”
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/Christmas-2025/~my-donation)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Helping Raquel return home](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/03/17/helping-raquel-return-home/)
**Published:** March 17, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Communications Manager Ana Rodrigues reflects on supporting a Brazilian woman experiencing homelessness in London
**Content:**
At the end of last year, colleagues from our City Outreach team contacted me about a Brazilian woman they had encountered sleeping rough in the City of London. At that point, they knew very little about her, not even her real name.
What they did know was that she did not speak English and was reluctant to use phone line translation services, which made it very difficult for the team to communicate with her or understand her situation.
Because I am Brazilian and had previously volunteered on an internal spreadsheet as someone who could support other Thames Reach services with Portuguese interpretation, the team reached out to ask if I could assist.
##### That was how I first came across *Raquel* (name changed to protect her identity).
When I first met her, she appeared confused and extremely reluctant to share information about herself. She did not feel able to trust us or the services trying to help her. At that stage, we knew very little about how she had ended up sleeping rough.
That day, we took Raquel to [Snow Hill Court](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/11/06/inside-snow-hill-court-supporting-peoples-first-step-off-the-streets/), our Rough Sleeping Assessment Centre in the City of London, where she was properly assessed by the team and had a safe place to sleep for the first time in months. Over time, we began to understand that she had experienced a serious mental health crisis, which had led to her discarding her documents and losing contact with her family. Without identification, without support, and unable to communicate easily in English, she had become extremely vulnerable.
Raquel had not been in the UK for very long, had no support network here, and had also experienced traumatic situations with people she had previously lived and worked with, which may have contributed to triggering her mental health breakdown. At the time, she was not receiving treatment or taking medication.
Speaking with her in Portuguese helped create a sense of safety, although it still took time to build trust.
#### **Reconnecting with her family**
A few weeks later, I saw Raquel again when I was visiting Snow Hill Court Assessment Centre. On that day, we talked a bit more, and she trusted me enough to tell me her full name and the name of her brother.
With that information, I was able to locate him on social media and contact the family in Brazil. They had been desperately searching for news about her and had not heard from her for a long time.
From that point onwards, I became more involved in supporting Raquel’s case. Because we had established trust and shared a common language and cultural background, I was able to support her in meetings related to resolving her situation, including immigration and other processes.
Throughout this period, with support from Snow Hill Court and its partner organisations, Raquel was informed of her rights and consistently expressed that her main wish was to return home to Brazil and reconnect with her family.
However, making that happen was not straightforward. She had no identification documents, and during the time she had been sleeping rough, there had also been an incident involving the police due to her mental health and communication difficulties. Resolving these issues required coordination across several agencies and organisations.
#### **A full circle moment**
After around three months of work resolving these issues and collaborating with [MAPS](https://www.mungos.org/our-services/migrants/migrant-accommodation-pathways-service/) — the Migrant Accommodation Pathways Support service run by St Mungo’s — to ensure a safe reconnection plan was in place, Raquel was finally able to travel back to Brazil.
On the day she left, I accompanied her to the airport. Watching her walk through departures felt like a full circle moment: remembering the first time I saw her, extremely vulnerable and still living on the streets, and now seeing her safely on her way home, soon to be reunited with the family who had been so worried about her.
Her brother later shared a message (translated) with us about what her return meant for them:
“We are very happy that everything went well with Raquel’s return. She will now begin her treatment properly, and soon she will be feeling much better.
The work you do makes an enormous difference in the lives of those who truly need it, as was the case with Raquel, and it also brings great peace to families.
If there were more people like you, the world would be very different from what it is today.”
#### Understanding the reality behind the stories
For me personally, this experience was very meaningful.
In my role as Communications Manager, I spend much of my time telling the stories of the people we support and sharing the work our services do to help raise awareness of our organisation and increase supporter engagement. My role often involves bridging the gap between frontline services and the public.
This experience allowed me to briefly step out of the office and a bit more into the frontline work we do. It highlighted how complex accessing different types of support can be, and how difficult it is for someone in a vulnerable position to navigate them — particularly when they do not speak English, do not understand how the system works in the UK, and may struggle to trust others due to mental health challenges.
Raquel was fortunate that the outreach team had the chance to connect her with someone who could communicate with her in her own language and understand her background. Being accompanied by the same person throughout the entire process helped build a relationship of trust, which made it easier for her to engage with all the services involved in her case. But we know this is not always possible.
#### The value of collaboration
For me, this highlighted the importance of having staff with diverse backgrounds across organisations supporting vulnerable people, and how essential it is to have well-established collaboration between different teams, services, and partner organisations working across the homelessness sector.
The close collaboration we had in this case was a beneficial experience for everyone involved. It gave me a deeper understanding of the work I usually only write about and inspired me to share this story, while also helping different services make progress with her case and enabling Raquel to return home safely.
Above all, it reinforced something important: no matter the role we were hired to do, in this sector, we are all ultimately working towards the same goal — helping the people we support rebuild their lives and move forward.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Transforming lives through the Essentials Fund](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/05/19/transforming-houses-into-homes-through-the-essentials-fund/)
**Published:** May 19, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Discover how the Essentials Fund made a life-changing difference for Brian, Keith and John.
**Content:**
At Thames Reach, we support people as they move forward from homelessness, helping them find stability and independence. A crucial part of this journey is ensuring they have the essentials that make a house a home. The Essentials Fund provides vital items that aren’t typically covered by other funding—things like kitchen appliances, curtains, and learning materials—that help people regain their confidence and independence. Through the experiences of Brian, Keith, and Mickey, one of our dedicated support workers, we see the real impact this fund has in changing lives.
### Brian’s journey to independence
Brian found himself sleeping rough before meeting Mickey, his Thames Reach support worker, who offered him a way forward. “Mickey took me off the street,” Brian says. “Good man, he does what he says he’ll do.”
With Mickey’s support, Brian moved into stable accommodation, a crucial step in rebuilding his life. But settling into a new home isn’t just about having a roof over your head—it’s about having the essentials to make daily life possible. Through the Essentials Fund, Brian received a kettle, microwave, and toaster. “Without a microwave, you can’t cook anything,” he says. “And you can’t have a cup of tea without a kettle. I can make sandwiches, toast, a nice cup of tea… it’s nice to have that privilege.”
Now, Brian is feeling safer and more independent. “I’ve cut down on alcohol. I’m enjoying life better now I’ve got my own place to live,” he says. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. You have to keep going. It’s going to be hard—very hard. But you’ve got to keep going until you reach your goal.”
[https://youtu.be/vqj\_8cSZV4o?si=j2RVuTl5CO8cxfRS](https://youtu.be/vqj_8cSZV4o?si=j2RVuTl5CO8cxfRS "Play video "Brian's story - Essentials Fund"")
### Keith’s new purpose through photography
After years of homelessness and moving between hostels, Keith finally has a place of his own. But even with a stable home, he felt something was missing. “I was just sitting in my yard doing nothing,” he says. “I thought, I need to do something.”
Photography had always interested him, and with support from Thames Reach and the Essentials Fund, Keith was able to receive a camera and enrol in a photography course. “I’m very keen to start. I think I’d be good at it.”
For Keith, photography is more than a creative outlet—it’s a way to tell a story and build a future. “I want to expose the street for what it really is. This is me. I want to do some sort of docudrama thing,” he explains.
Now, with a new sense of purpose, Keith is looking ahead. “I’m fragile in my life, but I’m trying, man. That’s all I can say,” he says. “Hopefully, I might find myself in a professional capacity, helping someone put their thing out there to encourage others.”
[https://youtu.be/M4vgTG7HEzo](https://youtu.be/M4vgTG7HEzo "Play video "Keith's story"")
### Mickey’s role in supporting people
Mickey, who works in our Hammersmith & Fulham Outreach and Housing First service, has seen the impact of the Essentials Fund firsthand.
“The Essentials Fund provides support for things that are not typically covered \[through other funding\], like curtains, heaters, or other items that make a house feel more like a home,” he explains. “These items play a key role in helping people feel settled and comfortable as they recover from homelessness and start to rebuild their lives.”
Mickey has used the fund to provide crucial items like curtains for Lisa, who had lived in her flat for years without them. “Lisa’s flat is on the lower ground, and she had no privacy. The curtains made a huge difference. It was really important for her,” he says. The fund also helped her replace an inefficient fan heater with one that was cheaper to run, ensuring she could stay warm through the colder months.
For Mickey, the Essentials Fund is about more than just providing practical support—it’s about restoring dignity and helping people feel truly at home. “It’s about improving people’s lives and giving them a sense of normality,” he says. “It’s not just about getting a bed or a cooker, but making a flat feel like a home.”
[https://youtu.be/o\_tmLoMHDT4](https://youtu.be/o_tmLoMHDT4 "Play video "Mickey's story - Essentials Fund"")
### How John overcame barriers to access benefits
John\* has struggled with mental health challenges for over 20 years, which contributed to his homelessness and difficulties accessing support services. When Jemma, a support worker at one of our South London hostels, began working with him 10 months ago, John was facing significant barriers, including a lack of identification, which prevented him from accessing vital services.
Recognising the impact this had on John’s ability to move forward, Jemma identified that obtaining his birth certificate was a critical first step. Without it, John couldn’t apply for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a benefit that would provide him with the financial support he needed to improve his situation.
Jemma used funding from the Essentials Fund to cover the cost of obtaining John’s birth certificate. “The Essentials Fund was crucial in helping John get the ID he needed. Without it, he wouldn’t have been able to progress with his PIP application or access other important services”.
Since receiving the birth certificate, John has been able to move forward with his PIP application, which will significantly improve his financial stability. Jemma notes, “It may seem like a small thing, but getting the birth certificate was a huge hurdle for John. It’s allowed him to take control of his life and access the support he needs”.
John has also gained more confidence in managing his personal documentation and understanding the services available to him. While there’s still work to be done, this step has been a pivotal moment in his journey towards greater independence and stability.
The Essentials Fund is vital in helping people like John overcome barriers and access the support they need. Your donation can provide essential resources, giving individuals the chance to move forward and improve their lives.
*\*Name changed to protect the individual’s privacy*
### Help more people move forward
Thames Reach is changing lives, helping people like Brian and Keith gain stability, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Your donation can provide vital support, helping people move forward and rebuild their lives.
[Donate today](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1) and help more people get the support they need to leave homelessness behind for good.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Rough sleeping in London: quarterly data shows mixed progress](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/06/16/rough-sleeping-in-london-quarterly-data-shows-mixed-progress/)
**Published:** June 16, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Rough sleeping in London fell this quarter, but the number of people living long-term on the streets continues to rise
**Content:**
The latest CHAIN data for January to March 2025 shows a continued fall in the total number of people seen sleeping rough in London. While this is a welcome shift from the all-time high recorded in Q2, the number of people living on the streets continues to rise—albeit at a slower rate.
### **Entrenched rough sleeping still rising**
Between January and March 2025, outreach teams recorded 706 people meeting the definition of ‘living on the streets’—an increase from 704 in the previous quarter. While this rise is relatively small, it’s concerning that more people are spending extended periods sleeping rough, even as overall numbers fall.
CHAIN defines someone as ‘living on the streets’ if they have been bedded down for three or more weeks and have five or more contacts during the quarter.
### **Who is affected**
UK nationals made up 47% of those seen sleeping rough—unchanged over the past 18 months. The proportion of European nationals has continued to fall (now 23%), while people from the ‘rest of the world’ category now make up around 30%.
This group includes individuals with a range of immigration statuses—some with no recourse to public funds, and others eligible for support. The diversity of circumstances points to the need for more tailored responses.
### **Winter emergency beds made a difference**
Accommodation outcomes on the CHAIN database mostly reflect people moving directly off the streets. This quarter saw a rise in emergency accommodation use, driven by the activation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) during periods of freezing weather. These beds, funded through government winter pressures funding, remain a short-term but vital intervention.
**Categories:** News
---
### [Rough sleeping in London reaches record quarterly level](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/02/27/rough-sleeping-in-london-reaches-record-quarterly-level/)
**Published:** February 27, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Latest CHAIN data highlights rising numbers and persistent pressures across the capital
**Content:**
The latest quarterly [figures from the CHAIN database](https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/chain-reports)), covering October to December 2025, show that the total number of people recorded as sleeping rough in London has reached the highest level ever reported.
CHAIN data is gathered by outreach workers across Greater London and records people who have been seen and assessed as sleeping rough. As such, it provides one of the most comprehensive pictures available of rough sleeping across the capital, including areas served by a range of different organisations.
#### **Increase in people spending longer on the streets**
While the total number of people recorded rough sleeping is at a historic high, the number of people who are new to rough sleeping or who spent only one night on the streets is slightly below the peaks seen in 2023–24.
However, the number of people classed as *living on the streets* has risen again. This figure now stands at 830, up from 759 in the previous quarter — amongst the highest levels recorded.
CHAIN defines someone as living on the streets if they have both:
- spent at least three weeks between their earliest and latest recorded bedded-down contact, and
- had five or more bedded-down contacts within the quarter.
This increase suggests more people are becoming stuck rough sleeping for longer periods, which is often associated with worsening health, safety risks and reduced chances of quickly moving off the streets.
#### **Nationality breakdown remains broadly stable**
The proportion of people sleeping rough by nationality has remained broadly consistent with recent quarters. Outreach teams recorded:
- 48% UK nationals
- 22% European nationals
- 30% from the rest of the world
A further 597 people (around 12% of those seen) had no nationality recorded.
It is important to note that nationality does not necessarily indicate someone’s immigration status or their eligibility for support. Many non-UK nationals may have settled status or leave to remain and therefore be entitled to access services in the same way as UK nationals, while others may not.
#### **Routes off the streets**
Seasonal factors have led to a sharp rise seen this quarter in overall moves off the streets. This is largely linked to winter provision, particularly emergency winter accommodation and the use of Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).
#### **What the figures tell us**
Taken together, the data paints a complex picture. Seasonal provision continues to play a vital role in helping people off the streets during colder months, but often this accommodation is short-term and will not always resolve peoples’ homelessness. At the same time, the overall rise in rough sleeping and the growing number of people spending extended periods on the streets show how significant the pressures remain.
At Thames Reach, we welcome the strategic commitments to reduce and end rough sleeping, set out in the Mayor’s Plan of Action, and the [Government’s Homelessness Strategy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/12/11/our-response-to-the-governments-homelessness-strategy/). But as these latest figures show, the urgency of translating these strategies into fully implemented, sustained action has never been more important. When numbers are rising, timely delivery of promised measures is not just important — it is essential.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Amina’s story with TR Greenwich](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/02/23/aminas-story-with-tr-greenwich/)
**Published:** February 23, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** After months of sofa surfing and struggling with her mental health, Amina found stability at our TR Greenwich service
**Content:**
When Amina\* arrived at our Thames Reach Greenwich supported accommodation service, she had been moving from sofa to sofa for months, unsure where she would sleep next. After being asked to leave home due to disagreements with her family around religion and culture, she spent months staying temporarily with friends, often in homes where space was already limited. She described how difficult that time felt: “I didn’t like the fact that I was depending on people… I don’t like to feel like a burden.”
The instability took a serious toll on her wellbeing. Without a place of her own, she began drinking heavily to cope with stress and uncertainty, explaining that she was “on the verge of becoming an alcoholic” during that period.
#### A fresh start at TR Greenwich
When her local council helped her secure a place at TR Greenwich, the impact was immediate. Having a room of her own changed how she felt day to day: “I knew I had my own space. I knew that I didn’t have to feel like a burden… mentally this place has helped me a lot.”
She has now been living at the service for just a short time, but says the difference is already clear. The stability has helped her cut down dramatically on drinking, and regular meetings with her support worker mean she always has someone to check in with. Those conversations matter, she says, because “you never know what somebody’s going through.”
Feeling safe has also been key. She spoke about the reassurance of strong safety measures and staff presence, describing the environment simply as “top tier” when it comes to security.
Amina is a recent university graduate in International Relations and is now thinking about her next steps. For the time being, she hopes to return to work while she considers further study and a possible future in teaching. She also has personal goals she wants to work towards, from keeping active to learning new skills. Despite everything she has been through, she is focused on moving forward and building the life she wants.
Her experience has changed how she sees services like TR Greenwich. “People don’t really understand how much it helps,” she reflected. “You can go from having everything one day, it’s literally having nothing.”
For her, having somewhere safe, stable and supportive has made all the difference — not just as a place to stay, but as a foundation for what comes next.
*\*Name changed to protect identity.*
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Preventing rough sleeping after asylum decisions — by Bill Tidnam](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/02/20/preventing-rough-sleeping-after-asylum-decisions-by-bill-tidnam/)
**Published:** February 20, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Our Chief Executive reflects on the the gaps between asylum decisions and homelessness prevention
**Content:**
A few months ago, I joined an outreach shift with Boni, from one of our outreach teams. This was a bit different from many of the shifts that we do, in a suburban area much removed from the conventional city-street images of rough sleeping.
We started early in the morning to make sure we met people before they left their sleep sites. The nature of the area meant that there were fewer people sleeping in very public places outside shops or offices, and more people hidden away in empty buildings or sleeping in their cars; although, as is often the case, we spent a lot of time in multi-storey car parks. Probably there were fewer people who knew who we were as outreach workers than in inner London, and perhaps fewer people who thought of themselves as sleeping rough.
We started in the dark and checked a derelict telephone exchange and a boarded-up care home, found someone well known to the team who was bedded down outside a health centre and who agreed to meet my outreach colleague at a local day centre later in the day to try to find temporary accommodation. We visited a railway station, where people were known to sleep rough and where the staff were sympathetic, sometimes ignoring their lack of tickets. There was no one there today.
As dawn was breaking, we slithered through the mud into an abandoned playing field sandwiched between a main road and a railway. Pylons carried electricity cables above us. The road had a couple of hotels on it, now apparently largely used to house people seeking asylum who were waiting for a decision on their case. There was a derelict pavilion, broken and graffitied, but empty, and we were about to return to our car when we smelt wood smoke.
#### Farid’s story
It was difficult to see where this was coming from, but on the other side of the field was a brick hut, and it was there, in a structure that was part pillbox, part tent, that we met Farid\*. Farid had his few possessions around him and was keeping the autumnal chill at bay with a small fire, which he was feeding with twigs and small branches from the surrounding scrubland. His English wasn’t great, but we established that he spoke Farsi and that until a few days before he had lived in one of the hotels on the nearby road, placed there by the Home Office while they reviewed his asylum claim. When he was granted leave to remain, he was evicted — with poor English and no knowledge of the system — he had come to the playing field and was staying there, possibly with support from the people who were still in the hostels, but with no idea what to do next.
As someone who works for an organisation whose mission is to end rough sleeping, and who supports successive governments’ commitment to ending it, it’s frustrating to see the actions of government departments directly adding to the problem that they are committed to ending. Farid didn’t have great English, but he was capable and resourceful enough to construct a shelter from unpromising elements and was receptive to our encouragement to meet Boni later in the day to find emergency accommodation as a first step to finding somewhere to live in the long term.
Happily, Farid is now housed, and getting on with his life, but it’s shocking that during his many months in limbo in asylum seekers’ accommodation, no effort was made to prepare him for the next steps to understand how he can find accommodation and sustain a productive life. We understand that there are those who will say that such help merely helps to incentivise those who claim asylum, but without getting into those arguments, it seems perverse to force people into rough sleeping as a result of an acceptance that they are indeed in need of asylum. An emergency response — such as that from an outreach team — is likely to be more expensive and less satisfactory than planning for a likely outcome, in this case a positive asylum decision.
The new government Homelessness Strategy, *A national plan to end homelessness*, which was published in December, recognises that the asylum system is an important driver of rough sleeping and talks about better co-ordination between the Home Office and local councils, and other administrative improvements. More significantly, it talks about early targeted advice and guidance, and pilots of a more effective approach aimed at making sure that people have the tools they need to avoid homelessness and destitution.
We welcome these initiatives and agree that the way forward needs to prioritise prevention, particularly for a group that is so easy to identify and whose rough sleeping is so entirely predictable.
*\*Not his real name*
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/Christmas-2025/~my-donation)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Ash’s volunteering journey at Thames Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/02/04/ashs-volunteering-journey-at-thames-reach/)
**Published:** February 4, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** From rebuilding confidence to developing new skills, Ash shares how volunteering with Thames Reach helped him grow while supporting people to sustain their homes
**Content:**
When Ash first came across Thames Reach, he was at a point of transition. After leaving police training and finding himself unemployed for the first time in years, his confidence had taken a knock. He knew he wanted to keep contributing in a meaningful way, but also to challenge himself and try something new.
“I’d worked as a support worker before, mainly in learning disabilities and mental health,” Ash explains. “I thought, why not try another group?” While searching for work, he stumbled across Thames Reach and the homelessness sector — an area he hadn’t worked in before. Volunteering felt like the right step, both personally and professionally. “It just seemed like a perfect thing to do, considering my situation, but also because I’ve always liked contributing to something.”
Ash joined Thames Reach as a volunteer in September 2025, based with the Tenancy Sustainment team in the Private Rented Sector. As part of the Keeping in Touch team, Ash supports people we work with who are living in private rented accommodation. His role involves making regular phone calls to check how people are doing, whether they’re facing any issues, and helping to resolve problems early — or signposting to the right support — to prevent them from becoming homeless again.
“On paper, it might sound like straightforward tasks, like making phone calls,” Ash says. “But for me, it really pushed me out of my comfort zone.” Having always worked in practical, in-person roles, the office-based nature of the role helped him build new skills. “I’d never really used things like Teams or Excel before. Thames Reach gave me the chance to develop those skills and build my confidence back up.”
That confidence proved invaluable. Thames Reach was Ash’s first experience in the homelessness sector, and shortly after starting his volunteer role, he secured paid work with St Mungo’s. While the timing was close, Ash is clear about the impact volunteering had. “It helped build my confidence back up again. I’d just left the police and wasn’t working, and Thames Reach really helped me find my feet.”
Support from staff has been a key reason Ash has continued volunteering. He speaks warmly about the guidance he’s received from colleagues in the Keeping in Touch team and the wider management. “The support’s been brilliant — that’s why I’ve stayed, even though I work full time now,” he says. “They’ve been really supportive and encouraging.”
Now, Ash is preparing to take his volunteering in a new direction, moving to support the Lambeth Street Engagement team. It’s a chance to gain more experience working directly on the streets — something that aligns with his long-term goal of becoming an outreach worker. “I want to get more experience talking to people in person, especially those with more complex needs,” he explains. “Thames Reach has been really flexible and supportive in helping me do that.”
When asked what he’d say to others thinking about volunteering, Ash is clear: “Definitely do it. It doesn’t matter what your background or skill level is. You can develop a lot personally, but at the same time, you’re giving back. It’s a sector that’s really worthwhile.”
**Inspired by Ash’s story?**
If you’re looking to build skills, regain confidence, or contribute to work that makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. [Explore our current volunteering opportunities and find out how you can get involved at Thames Reach.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Read the Thames Reach Annual Review 2024-25](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/12/15/read-the-thames-reach-annual-review-2024-25/)
**Published:** December 15, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** We're delighted to publish a review of the work we've been doing over 2024-25.
**Content:**
The Thames Reach Annual Review 2024-25 is now available to read. The document details how we’ve been helping people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in London, between April 2024 and March 2025. The review looks at the positive impact our work has had on the lives of people using our services, as well as providing information on approaches we’ve developed to better support vulnerable people.
This year’s review, with introductions by Chair of the Board Stephen Howard and Chief Executive Bill Tidnam, features case studies and interviews with staff members, volunteers, and with the people using our services.
For all this and more,[ take a look at the Thames Reach Annual Review 2024-25](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Annual-Review-24-25-Digital-Final-compressed.pdf).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Annual review, intervention, Prevention, publications, Recovery, what we do
---
### [Thames Reach project highly commended at the London Homelessness Awards](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/12/11/thames-reach-project-highly-commended-at-the-london-homelessness-awards/)
**Published:** December 11, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Our Resettlement Support Team pilot helped people move on from hostels and was highly commended for its impact
**Content:**
We’re pleased to share that our Resettlement Support Team has been **highly commended** at this year’s London Homelessness Awards.
Earlier in the year, we announced that the pilot had been shortlisted for its work supporting people to move on from hostels into long-term, stable accommodation. Being recognised among such strong and dedicated projects across London is an achievement we’re proud of — and a reflection of the skill and commitment of the team.
The Resettlement Support Team was delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority and London Councils, working within three hostels to help people take the next step away from emergency accommodation. By creating personalised resettlement plans and linking people with ongoing support, the team helped more residents move on and sustain their tenancies.
We’d like to congratulate this year’s winners:
- **Crisis UK – Brent SHPS Refugee Housing & Integration Service**
- **London Borough of Hackney – Benefits and Homelessness Prevention Service Complex Needs Team**
- **The Outside Project – LGBTIQ+ Centre and Trans+ Winter Night Shelter**
And we also want to recognise the innovative and impactful work of all the shortlisted and commended projects — including the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Temporary Accommodation Reduction Programme and Haringey Migrant Support Centre’s Migrant Homelessness Response. It’s inspiring to stand alongside so many organisations working towards the same goal: supporting people to build their lives away from homelessness.
More about the London Homelessness Awards can be found at [www.lhawards.org.uk](http://www.lhawards.org.uk).
**Categories:** News
---
### [Our response to the Government’s homelessness strategy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/12/11/our-response-to-the-governments-homelessness-strategy/)
**Published:** December 11, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We welcome the Government’s ambition to halve rough sleeping and look forward to working together to turn this strategy into real, lasting change
**Content:**
We welcome the publication of the Government’s new cross-department homelessness strategy and, in particular, the explicit target to halve rough sleeping. This represents an important ambition at a government level, and acknowledges that we must move beyond simply managing rough sleeping to recognising that it can and should be ended.
Although we are yet to see the strategy in full, we welcome its focus on prevention, including commitments to improve early intervention and stop people being discharged from hospitals and prisons into homelessness. These issues have a direct and significant impact on the people we support on a daily basis.
We also welcome the recognition that people who have spent a long time sleeping rough will need more than housing alone to move away from homelessness for good. The strategy’s commitments to providing more, and more suitable, accommodation and housing offer an essential route away from rough sleeping, particularly in a city where demand for services remains exceptionally high.
The investment announced – including additional funding for local authorities, new resources for voluntary and community partners, and programmes aimed at improving emergency and supported accommodation – has the potential to support meaningful progress. However, greater clarity is still needed on how this support will reach those most at risk of long-term and entrenched rough sleeping. Without clear pathways into genuinely affordable housing, many people will continue to struggle. The absence of national expansion of Housing First and the continued pressures caused by the freeze on housing benefit remain significant barriers to sustaining accommodation in London.
We welcome the recognition that poor-quality temporary and emergency accommodation is unacceptable, and we support efforts to increase the availability of good-quality options. Investment in supported housing also provides opportunities for people with more complex needs to move from rough sleeping and hostel living into greater stability.
At Thames Reach, we know that people can rebuild their lives when they have stable housing and personalised support. We look forward to seeing more detail as it emerges and to working with government and local and regional authorities to put these ambitions into practice.
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive, said:
*“This is a welcome step, but progress will depend on how effectively support reaches the people who are furthest from services. We look forward to working with government and local partners to ensure these commitments translate into real change for people experiencing rough sleeping in London.”*
**Categories:** News
---
### [Emmanuel's story: Reaching people on London’s transport network](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/11/13/reaching-people-on-londons-transport-network-emmanuels-story/)
**Published:** November 13, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** How the Rapid Response TfL team helped Emmanuel take his first steps away from rough sleeping
**Content:**
When we first met Emmanuel at North Greenwich station, he had been rough sleeping there since 2020. Our Rapid Response TfL team — an outreach service run by Thames Reach in partnership with Transport for London — had begun to see him regularly across the station concourse and on nearby night buses.
“I used to sleep at the station most nights,” Emmanuel says. “When it got too cold, I’d take the night buses instead. You could at least keep warm that way.”
For Emmanuel, buses became a way to get through the night. “When you’re on a bus, you don’t have to think about the weather or people bothering you,” he explains. “You just stay quiet and keep going until morning.”
The exhaustion of those years stayed with him. “It’s not just the cold — it’s the tiredness,” he says. “You never really sleep properly. You’re always half-awake, waiting for the night to end.”
As TfL staff and our outreach workers became aware of what he was facing, Emmanuel began to receive regular contact and support. “When people knew what was going on, they were understanding,” he recalls. “They treated me with respect. That made a big difference.”
Our Rapid Response TfL team specialises in meeting people where they are — on buses, at stations and on the wider transport network — and offering them a consistent point of contact. For Emmanuel, that meant having someone check in, listen and help him navigate the uncertainty of waiting for a Home Office decision on his immigration status.
Earlier this year, once his right to remain in the UK was confirmed, we supported him to move into a private rented flat through our Aspire service. In August 2025, after five years of rough sleeping, he finally moved into his own home.
Now, Emmanuel is focused on getting back into work. A qualified security officer, he is renewing his licence so he can return to employment — something he has been working towards with determination. “That’s my goal,” he says. “To get back to work and live normally again.”
Looking back, he hopes that others sleeping rough on London’s transport network can find the same chance to move forward. “Sometimes people just need to be spoken to,” he says. “When someone takes the time to talk to you, that’s how everything starts.”
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough across London
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Inside Snow Hill Court: supporting people’s first step off the streets](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/11/06/inside-snow-hill-court-supporting-peoples-first-step-off-the-streets/)
**Published:** November 6, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The centre provides 28-day accommodation and assessments for people coming directly from the streets in the City of London
**Content:**
Snow Hill Court plays a vital role in supporting people sleeping rough in the City of London. The 14-bed assessment centre provides 28-day accommodation while assessing people’s needs and helping them take the first step towards stability and independent living.
**Claudia Groß**, a **Senior Practitioner** at the service, describes it as “one of the most important parts of the pathway,” explaining that people arrive at Snow Hill Court directly from the street. Unlike hostels, where referrals and assessments are already in place, Snow Hill Court begins the process from scratch, carrying out assessments within 48 hours, identifying risks, and planning tailored support.
“Sometimes they haven’t been seen by a doctor in many years,” Claudia says. The team works closely with partners to ensure people receive the right support. There is aGP on site every Wednesday, and **Turning Point** runs a weekly clinic for those needing support with substance and alcohol use.
### Linking with the City outreach team
Referrals to Snow Hill Court come through the **City Outreach Team**, also run by Thames Reach, who engage directly with people sleeping rough across the City of London. The centre and outreach team work closely together to ensure people move on within the 28-day target. “Sometimes a local authority will email in the morning with a property offer for that same day,” Claudia explains. “We go above and beyond to make sure people can take up those opportunities safely and with support.”
In September alone, six people were supported to move on into independent accommodation or reconnect with local pathways. The team also helps with practicalities such as moving belongings, setting up housing benefits, and navigating local housing systems.
The service currently has 12 beds for people with recourse to public funds and two for those without, allowing the team to focus on providing tailored support to everyone who comes through the doors. “Our team is very committed and works hard to make sure everyone gets the support they need,” Claudia says.
She adds, “They’re compassionate and go above and beyond. They really live Thames Reach’s motto of not giving up on people.”
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Thames Reach hosts Employee and Volunteer Conference 2025](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/10/24/thames-reach-hosts-employee-and-volunteer-conference-2025/)
**Published:** October 24, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Colleagues and volunteers came together for a day of learning, connection and celebration
**Content:**
The biennial Thames Reach Employee and Volunteer Conference took place on Thursday 16 October at Friends House in Euston, bringing together colleagues and volunteers from across the organisation for a day of learning, discussion and connection.
The event featured a wide range of sessions, including an introductory talk from **Stephen Howard**, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and **Bill Tidnam**, Chief Executive, as well as a Q&A session with members of the Senior Management Team. Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in interactive workshops, wellbeing sessions, and talks led by sector leaders.
A highlight of the day was a session on *The Mayor’s Rough Sleeping Plan of Action*, delivered by guest speaker **Molly Bishop** from the Greater London Authority.
The conference was also an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and achievements of Thames Reach colleagues, with awards presented for long and outstanding service.
We would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a success, and extend a special thanks to all those who volunteered and supported on the day.
**Categories:** News
---
### [Thames Reach welcomes new funding announcement to tackle homelessness](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/10/10/thames-reach-welcomes-new-funding-announcement-to-tackle-homelessness/)
**Published:** October 10, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach has welcomed today's government announcement, with £36.5million in funding to be provided to London councils to tackle homelessness in the capital.
**Content:**
Thames Reach has welcomed today’s government announcement, with £36.5million in funding to be provided to London councils to tackle homelessness in the capital.
The funding was announced by new Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern, after a visit to Thames Reach’s [Greenhouse](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/the-greenhouse/) project in Hackney, alongside Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. See BBC London News coverage of the visit below.
**Thames Reach Chief Executive Bill Tidnam said:**
‘We welcome the new minister and the funding announcement. This is a concrete step that we hope brings nearer to a government strategy that will support us to end homelessness and rough sleeping.
‘We look forward to working with the government and the Mayor to play our part in making this a reality, by preventing rough sleeping where we can, and supporting people off the streets where we need to.’
**More than 13,000 people slept rough in London across 2024/25.**
**[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/support/) about how you can support Thames Reach this World Homelessness Day.**
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough across London
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** News
---
### [Resettlement Support team: supporting move-on from hostels ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/09/25/resettlement-support-team-supporting-move-on-from-hostels/)
**Published:** September 25, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The pilot explored how a dedicated external team could increase move-on from hostels and create more movement in pathways
**Content:**
The Resettlement Support Team (RST) was a Thames Reach pilot delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Councils. The project set out to explore whether having a skilled external team focused on move-on could help people in hostels move into longer-term, more independent accommodation.
Working across three hostels in Lewisham, Haringey and Southwark, the team provided personalised resettlement plans and worked closely with partner agencies to ensure support in the community was in place where needed; a barrier which was previously used as a reason to not move these clients on. The pilot also ensured people had access to post-resettlement support, helping to reduce the risk of tenancy breakdown.
Ruth Shepherd, who led the project, explained: *“The aim was to test the theory that if you have an external team doing move-on work within hostels, would that increase move-on? Move-on is always raised as a challenge in London-wide forums, and we were seeing the same issues in our own hostels, but the conversations were focussed on lack of appropriate move on, so we also wanted to test if that was the sole issue or if there was more to unpick.”*
RST was very flexible and worked with a range of clients. The pilot also aimed to change the culture around move on, ensuring it was prioritised and that historic risks didn’t hold people back. *“Our role was to take the workload pressure off, to be an expert team that could help move people on”*, Ruth said. *“But just as importantly, we wanted to work with staff to show that even people with ongoing support needs can move on and live more independently.”*
The results were encouraging. In Lewisham, the number of people moving on increased from three people to 17. In Haringey, this went from eight to twelve. In Southwark, levels remained steady, but the pilot offered important insights into the barriers that can make change more challenging in some settings, and how those might be addressed in the future.
Alongside the numbers, the pilot demonstrated the value of follow-on support.
*“A significant part of our role became providing transitional support,”* Ruth explained. *“We’d keep in touch after people moved, making sure they were linked in with mainstream services”*
The pilot’s achievements have also been recognised externally, with [the Resettlement Support Team shortlisted for this year’s London Homelessness Awards](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/07/16/thames-reach-pilot-shortlisted-for-2025-london-homelessness-awards/).
*“We’re really pleased about the shortlisting,”* Ruth said. *“It helps raise awareness of how successful the project was, which in turn makes it easier to get the buy-in needed for future delivery, which people have been asking us for across the board.”*
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Thames Reach welcomes new leadership on homelessness](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/09/24/thames-reach-welcomes-new-leadership-homelessness/)
**Published:** September 24, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We welcome the appointment of the new Minister of homelessness and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
**Content:**
We welcome the appointment of Alison McGovern as the new Minister with responsibility for homelessness, and Steve Reed as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
These appointments come at an important moment, with a new cross-governmental Homelessness Strategy expected in the coming months. We look forward to seeing the priorities that will shape this strategy and the opportunities it will create to make meaningful progress towards ending rough sleeping alongside other forms of homelessness.
At Thames Reach, we remain focused on our vision of a society where no one needs to sleep rough, and we are committed to supporting the government in achieving this goal.
**Categories:** News
---
### [Lisa's journey with Housing First](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/02/18/lisas-journey-with-housing-first/)
**Published:** February 18, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** With stable housing and dedicated support, Lisa has regained her independence and is building a future with confidence.
**Content:**
Lisa’s story demonstrates how stable housing, combined with dedicated support can transform lives. After experiencing a decade of homelessness, Lisa was placed in a hostel in Shepherd’s Bush, before eventually being referred to Hammersmith and Fulham Housing First—a Thames Reach service designed to help people with a history of sleeping rough to settle into their own accommodation. The team offers immediate, specialist support to make sure people don’t return to the streets, and instead move effectively towards recovery and independent living.
As well as providing accommodation, the Housing First team provide support around issues such as healthcare, benefits, and training. By working closely with the local council, the Housing First team ensures that residents are placed in suitable homes within the Hammersmith and Fulham borough.
Lisa has lived in her flat since her initial placement and has greatly benefited from the continuous support provided by her Housing First lead worker, Mickey. “Having my own front door means so much to me—it’s amazing”.
### Ongoing support
The ongoing support from Mickey has been crucial to Lisa’s recovery. “I see Mickey every two weeks, and if I need help, I can always call him. He helps with everything, from hospital visits to sorting out bills or setting up a new phone. His support makes a big difference in my life”. Mickey’s assistance ensures that Lisa’s everyday needs are met.
Mickey has also been essential in helping Lisa manage her health. “I’ve got a few health problems, and I have a lot of appointments. Mickey helps with transport, making sure I get to and from my appointments, and sometimes he even comes with me. That makes a big difference to my quality of life”.
“I just want to keep my life stable and enjoy an ordinary life”, she says. While she would like to take a computer course at a local college, her limited mobility has made it difficult to pursue such goals. For now, Lisa focuses on maintaining a comfortable home and a sense of security in her environment.
Lisa’s story highlights the critical role of Housing First in tackling homelessness. “It’s not just about finding a home; it’s about addressing the underlying issues and ensuring people have the support they need to rebuild their lives”. The ongoing support from Housing First enables individuals to regain control of their lives and move forward with confidence.
For Mickey, working with Lisa is about ensuring she has everything she needs to maintain her independence. “With Lisa, we made sure her flat was ready and comfortable before she moved in. Our goal is to empower the people we support by guiding them through every step of their journey to independence”, he explains. Your support can help more people like Lisa find stability and rebuild their lives. **[Donate today to make a lasting difference.](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)**
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Christine’s story: the support that made a difference](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/09/05/christines-story-the-support-that-made-a-difference/)
**Published:** September 5, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Christine looks back on the support she received at Thames Reach and how it helped her move forward
**Content:**
Christine, originally from Germany, spent 12 years living in the UK. Today, she lives in a picturesque university town in central Germany, where she shares a flat with a housemate. She fills her days with creativity—painting, creative writing, and recently starting a sewing course. She also volunteers as a translator for English Heritage, maintaining her connection with the UK.
**But her life has not always been so stable.**
Christine first moved to the UK to work and study. “Prior to joining Thames Reach, I worked for an engineering company as a secretary and for the stock market as a bilingual temp before studying Italian literature at UCL. It was a fantastic time.”
That changed when she had to go into hospital. “I stayed in hospital for a long time and I became homeless while I was in hospital,” she explained. “I applied to the Housing Office for supported housing, and I got given a place at Thames Reach after an interview. I’m very grateful for TRB \[Thames Reach Bondway, as we were then known\] for having given me a place because the support I received was paramount for getting my bearings.”
Christine lived in supported accommodation in Clapham from 2002 to 2005. She recalls the everyday support that helped her regain confidence and stability. “I was glad to have safe and secure accommodation. The support also consisted of fortnightly meetings with my housing support worker. We would go for a coffee and just talk about everyday things. Nothing major, but it really helped me to keep things ticking over.”
Her support worker also accompanied her to mental health services in Brixton when she needed it. Looking back, she reflects: “It was really Thames Reach who helped me to increase my life skills again after hospital, and I’m very grateful for having been given that place.”
#### Carrying the support forward
When Christine returned to Germany in 2005, she carried that support with her. She stayed in touch with Thames Reach’s then Chief Executive, Jeremy Swain. “I’m also very grateful to Mr Jeremy Swain, because he befriended me when I returned to Germany in 2005 and we had regular contact by email. We met up several times when I came over to visit friends in London. In order to say thanks to him, I dedicated my MA thesis to him.”
Christine completed her master’s degree in translation studies last year. She now lives independently, free of symptoms thanks to strong mental health support in Germany, and continues to pursue work and volunteering opportunities. She is currently applying for a new role supporting people on a part-time basis.
She wanted to share her story because she knows how quickly life can change. “One appears to think that one can’t get homeless in London working or studying because one has a certain status, and then suddenly something unforeseen happens, and you’re really vulnerable. So that’s where Thames Reach stepped in and gave me a place to stay, and it was invaluable. If they hadn’t given me a place, I might have slept rough or something might have happened on the downward spiral.”
#### **Lasting ties with the UK**
Even after nearly two decades back in Germany, Christine thinks fondly of her time in London. “I really enjoyed living in the UK. It was like we say in Germany, there’s a word, *Wahlheimat*, which means a home you choose. And I think Thames Reach was part in making it a home again—that was very important.”
She remains connected to the UK through her volunteer translation work and occasional visits. “I’ve booked a holiday to come back to London next March. I look forward to returning and going to the Italian Cultural Institute and the British Library, places I used to visit when I lived at TRB.”
Christine’s story shows how timely support can make all the difference, offering not just housing but the chance to move forward.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Sulaiman’s story with STAR](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/08/29/sulaimans-story-with-star/)
**Published:** August 29, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** From rough sleeping to a secure home, Sulaiman’s journey with STAR shows the power of long-term support
**Content:**
The **Sustaining Tenancies Accommodation & Resettlement (STAR) service** is one of Thames Reach’s [frontline programmes supporting people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/support/) across London. STAR works with people facing complex challenges such as poor mental health, substance use, or risk of eviction, offering specialist housing advice, welfare and debt support, and pathways into training and employment.
For Sulaiman, who has been supported by STAR for more than a decade, this service has been life-changing.
Sulaiman became homeless in 2012 after struggling with his mental health. “I was suffering from mental illness. I was living on the streets, near a church, for about three months,” he recalls. It was during this time that outreach workers connected with him, following a referral from the police. This marked the beginning of his journey with Thames Reach.
With support from STAR, Sulaiman was helped into accommodation, giving him the security he needed to begin rebuilding his life. Since then, ongoing support from his key worker has made a huge difference. “My key worker has been with me since the beginning. I visit him every month. He respects me and helps me when I feel stressed,” says Sulaiman. “I don’t have any family in the UK, so he has become my friend.”
Alongside housing support, Sulaiman has been receiving ongoing medical care for both his mental and physical health, including treatment for diabetes. He also began attending college to study English, something he has continued ever since. “That’s why now I think my English is getting better,” he says with a smile.
Although his life in the UK is now more stable, Sulaiman still longs to be reunited with his wife and two children, who live abroad. “I left my wife and two children 18 years ago. I remember them every day. My hope is to be able to bring them here,” he explains.
Despite these challenges, Sulaiman feels grateful for the support he has received. “I am very happy living in the UK, because they give me medical care and support, and my life is good.”
Sulaiman’s story shows the impact of long-term, consistent support. Through STAR, he has moved from sleeping rough on the streets of London to living in secure housing, improving his health, and continuing his education — rebuilding his life while holding on to hope for the future.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Street Engagement Team: working to make Brixton safer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/09/03/street-engagement-team-working-to-make-brixton-safer/)
**Published:** September 3, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Our Street Engagement Team is working with Lambeth Council in Brixton to make the area safer for everyone
**Content:**
For many people, Brixton is a vibrant and energetic part of London — but it is also a place where drug use and related street activity can affect the safety and wellbeing of the community. To respond to these challenges, Lambeth Council has commissioned Thames Reach’s Street Engagement Team.
The team’s role is to support people whose lives are most closely tied to street activity, helping them access treatment and other services, while also working with local businesses, the police, and community partners to make the area safer for everyone.
#### **Meeting people where they are**
The Street Engagement Team in Lambeth is commissioned by public health, which makes it quite different from most outreach services that are funded through housing or rough sleeping departments. The focus is on people whose lives are deeply tied to the street economy.
Rather than working with a set list of people, the team spends time in key locations where people are known to gather. These spots are just minutes away from the local treatment centre, which means that when someone is ready, support can be offered immediately.
Jamie Shovlin, who manages the team, explains:
*“We spend most of our time in Brixton, because it’s one of the biggest hotspots in London. Our approach is about being visible in the right places every day. Sometimes success looks like getting someone through the treatment centre doors, but often it’s much slower — it can take 30 or 40 contacts just to reach a point where someone is ready to share their name with us. That’s still progress.”*
The people the team engages with are often very resistant to services, having cycled in and out of treatment for years. Building trust takes persistence and patience. *“Success isn’t always about immediate results,”* Jamie says. *“It can be about finding the right moment, the right conditions, for someone to feel ready. That’s why being present every day matters.”*
#### **Keeping Brixton safer through partnership**
The work in Brixton goes beyond one-to-one engagement. The team plays a vital role in connecting with businesses, local police, and council departments to reduce anti-social behaviour linked to drug use and ensure a joined-up response.
*“We’re not an enforcement team, but we work carefully alongside police and other partners,”* Jamie says. *“Clients often ask us if we’re undercover, so earning trust takes time. Word of mouth really matters — if one person has a positive experience with us, others are more likely to engage. That’s how we gradually open up pathways to support.”*
**Robert Goodwin, Programme Manager for Lambeth’s Combating Drugs Partnership, highlights the importance of this collaboration:** *“Lambeth Council and its Combating Drugs Partnership are working to ensure more people than ever are offered access to drug and alcohol services, and we have seen a steady increase in the numbers in treatment over the last three years. The provision of harm reduction information is also crucial, especially targeting those who are not currently accessing services.*
“*The provision of the Thames Reach on-street engagement teams not only helps in our aim for more people into treatment but is also part of our commitment to responding to increasing concern about drug use in public and addressing substance misuse and anti-social behaviour across Lambeth. After the initial pilot, we committed to continuing with Thames Reach’s experienced staff out in the streets, building trust with rough sleepers and substance users, encouraging them to seek help, and offering harm reduction information.”*
He added:
*“Since being put in place, the on-street engagement team, police, treatment providers and the council’s public health and community safety teams have worked in partnership to increase referrals into treatment programmes and tackle drug and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. There is more work to be done, but the partners within the Combating Drugs Partnership welcome the progress that has already been made in addressing these issues, and we are aware of the significant contributions being made by the Thames Reach on-street engagement team as part of a multi-agency partnership approach.”*
As Jamie reflects: *“A big part of our role is being the link between services and people who are otherwise very hard to reach. We’re here to let people know what support is available, and to walk with them on that first step. That benefits them, and it makes Brixton safer for everyone.”*
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Ida’s placement at Hounslow Reach: gaining hands-on experience ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/08/19/idas-placement-at-hounslow-reach-gaining-hands-on-experience/)
**Published:** August 19, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Social work student Ida Meyer reflects on her placement with our Hounslow Reach service and what she gained from the experience
**Content:**
This spring, Ida, a social work student from Sweden, joined Thames Reach’s Hounslow Reach service for a 17-week placement as part of her degree. The team at [Hounslow Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/hounslow-reach/) supports people in the London Borough of Hounslow who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them to stabilise their situation through advice, advocacy and one-to-one support.
For Ida, the placement was an opportunity to gain practical experience in a new setting. “I’ve been wanting to move \[to England\], so I started to look around for organisations and I came across Thames Reach,” she said. A positive review from a former student at her university who had previously joined the organisation gave her the extra encouragement to apply.
The placement started with observation and training. During her first month and a half, Ida focused on understanding how the UK benefits system works and shadowed experienced employees during visits. “It was challenging learning about all the different benefits and how the British system works,” she said, “but everyone was really helpful.”
As she gained confidence, Ida took on a caseload of her own. Over the course of the placement, she supported five people, working more independently while always having guidance when needed. She credited colleague Vadim in particular for the support he gave throughout. “I received so much guidance and support from everyone in the office,” she said. “It’s one of the best work environments I’ve ever experienced.”
Ida also had the opportunity to try other aspects of the service, including taking calls from people seeking advice and support, which gave her a fuller picture of how the service operates.
The experience had a strong impact both personally and professionally. Ida had previously been interested in working with children and families, but her time at Hounslow Reach shifted her perspective. “I got really interested in working with adults,” she said. “Mostly I’d only learned theoretically about social work, but there I really got to experience what it is practically.”
When asked what she found most rewarding, Ida said it was seeing the impact of her support on the people she was working with. “Helping them achieve their goals—especially when they accept your help and start working towards it themselves—was definitely very rewarding.”
Ida will be returning to London for a few months in November, and she looks forward to volunteering again with Thames Reach. She also hopes to return to the UK long-term to work in the sector after her graduation next year.
### **Want to get involved?**
Whether you’re a student looking for a placement, someone keen to volunteer, or interested in developing a corporate partnership and supporting people out of homelessness, we’d love to hear from you.
[**Learn more about supporting Thames Reach →**](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Graham's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/04/grahams-story/)
**Published:** October 4, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** How Graham found the support he needed to re-establish connections in his life.
**Content:**
Graham’s life took a difficult turn due to addiction and mental health challenges, leading him to disconnect from his family and endure eight years of homelessness. Finding solace in a relationship, he and his partner moved into a caravan, offering a brief reprieve from the streets. Tragically, his partner’s passing left Graham struggling emotionally and financially, forcing him back into homelessness for another four years.
In a critical moment, Graham was found overdosed in a Tesco car park, prompting intervention from local council services. He was referred to Thames Reach Greenwich, a supported accommodation service based in the London Borough of Greenwich. This specialised service provides support for people with experience of homelessness who have been through the criminal justice system or who have drug and alcohol support needs.
Upon entering Thames Reach Greenwich, Graham found more than just a safe place to stay. He entered a supportive environment tailored to address his complex needs. With access to essential mental health services and a structured rehabilitation plan, Graham began his journey to recovery. Over the past year, he has remained drug-free and has re-established connections with his family, marking significant milestones in his journey towards independent living.
While health challenges prevent Graham from working, he has discovered a passion for gardening, a hobby that brings him joy. Regular meetings with his key worker at Thames Reach Greenwich provide ongoing support and encouragement, helping him navigate the challenges of rebuilding his life.
Reflecting on his journey, Graham acknowledges the profound impact Thames Reach Greenwich has had on his life: “You don’t realise how much support you need until you find yourself here, seeing your life improve in every way.” His story vividly illustrates the effectiveness of comprehensive support systems like Thames Reach Greenwich, offering not just immediate shelter, but a structured pathway to recovery and community reintegration.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [The complexity of helping people off the streets ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/08/05/the-complexity-of-helping-people-off-the-streets/)
**Published:** August 5, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Written by Chief Executive Bill Tidnam, reflecting on a recent outreach shift and the challenges faced in supporting people off the streets
**Content:**
A couple of months ago, I joined an outreach shift with one of our [teams working with people sleeping rough](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/accommodation-and-outreach/) in a North London borough. It was a lovely spring morning, and the early dawn meant that, with a 7 am start, the shift was in daylight. The team is commissioned by the local authority, who have recently opened an ‘assessment centre’ to work closely with the outreach team to provide a first step off the streets for people who are sleeping rough in the borough. As ever, I was impressed with the patience and persistence of our staff and depressed by the unintentional barriers to the work that they do.
We spent the first part of the shift checking known rough sleeping sites across the borough, finding some people who were already known to the team, reminding them of appointments and encouraging them to take up offers of accommodation. Others didn’t want to speak to us, but we were able to leave our contact details and tell them that we would be back at another time. At other places, it was clear that someone had slept there that night but had gone for the day. This is routine outreach work—persistently breaking down barriers, building trust, maintaining contact, and using this to help people move away from homelessness.
Later in the shift, we drove to a residential cul-de-sac and parked, then walked down an alley that took us under a dual carriageway. The outreach workers I was with were looking for a notice that would tell them the number of the bridge and who owned it, but we couldn’t see anything. The concrete wall beside the path had a metal door that had once been locked, but which now stood ajar. It led into a large, dark space under the road. In the other wall was a further doorway, and the ground was piled with cans and plastic bags, in between which were tents and sleeping sites made of pallets and tarpaulins. The concrete walls were blackened with smoke where people had lit fires to cook or to keep warm. As our eyes got used to the gloom, we could see rats ambling confidently around the far wall.
In all, about ten people were sleeping there—a group of seven who were in a tight group, and three others in separate groups. Most people were known to the outreach workers, and we were able to remind people of appointments to help get an ID, and in one case, that there was a space for them in the local assessment centre.
One of the group was new to the workers. He didn’t speak much English, but we were able to communicate using a combination of Google Translate and others in the group. He told us that he’d been there for a couple of weeks. He had had a rented place in the neighbouring borough, and he’d been working, but he got ill and had to go to the hospital for a couple of weeks. He told us that his landlord had changed the locks and thrown away his belongings. When he left the hospital, he had nowhere to go and had joined his friends under the road. He showed his medication and told us that he needed to pick up a new prescription from his GP.
This should have been straightforward—he had a clear connection to the borough where he had lived, and that borough has an assessment centre, which would provide emergency accommodation until longer-term housing could be sorted out. On the face of it, he’d been illegally evicted by his landlord and, unlike many of the people sleeping in that space, he had no barriers to claiming the benefits that would help pay his rent.
He didn’t want to stay where he was, and he knew that he needed to find safe accommodation, but he was adamant that he wouldn’t return to the neighbouring borough, and that he wanted to stay in the borough he was now in. The problem was that the local borough would identify his connection with the neighbouring borough and would insist they were the ones who had a duty to help him.
This is difficult territory for our staff, and the danger is that he will stay where he is until something changes—his health gets a lot worse, the people he knows move away, or the owner of the space decides to secure it.
Clearly, there was more to this story than we knew, or he was telling us. This story does two things: it illustrates the complexity and ambivalence experienced by outreach workers as they try to get people off the streets, as well as the judgements made by the people they are trying to help, who are trying to weigh up different issues and sometimes come to decisions that we would regard as unwise.
It also points to a disconnect in the way services work in London, with its thirty-three local authorities, where cash-strapped councils can prioritise the protection of ‘their’ scarce resources (hostels, access to housing and so on) for ‘their’ people, which means that some people spend longer on the streets. There’s a need for more, but there is also a need to look at our emergency response and think about how councils can better share the resources they have, so that these conversations about connection and responsibility can happen in a place that is safe, rather than in a smoke-blackened concrete bunker under a dual carriageway.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Our response to the resignation of Homelessness Minister Rushanara Ali](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/08/08/our-response-to-the-resignation-of-homelessness-minister-rushanara-ali/)
**Published:** August 8, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach urges the government to stay focused on delivering its homelessness strategy following the Minister’s resignation
**Content:**
The Government’s role in leading the response to homelessness and in allocating resources to support this response is crucial. We hope that Rushanara Ali’s resignation as homelessness minister does not lead to further delay in the long-anticipated publication of the Government’s homelessness strategy.
This strategy is a vital opportunity to set out a clear and practical path towards ending rough sleeping alongside other forms of homelessness. We look forward to working closely with the government and the future Minister to ensure that the commitments made translate into meaningful, sustainable change in London and across the country.
At Thames Reach, we remain focused on our vision of a society where no one needs to sleep rough, and we are committed to supporting the government in achieving this goal.
**Categories:** News
---
### [Ending rough sleeping in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/01/05/ending-rough-sleeping-in-london/)
**Published:** January 5, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** What Thames Reach is doing to help end rough sleeping
**Content:**
Last year, 11,018 people slept rough on the streets of London. Shockingly, the numbers are on the rise with a staggering 250% increase in rough sleeping in the past decade.
Sleeping rough is a demeaning, damaging and often dangerous experience. In fact, it’s so harmful that a person who sleeps rough has an average age at death of just 44 years.
### **The challenges of outreach**
Most people would assume that if you were homeless and had a chance to leave behind life on the streets, you would jump at it. But homelessness is a complex issue. Many people find it hard to trust others as they’ve been let down by family, friends or institutions. Many have endured physical or mental abuse, making it even harder to accept help. Our outreach teams understand these challenges, and the importance of building trusting relationships before an individual feels able to accept support.
### **What Thames Reach is doing to help end rough sleeping**
Our outreach teams are on the frontlines, working tirelessly across London 365 days a year. We comb the city, searching for people as they are bedding down on the streets at night and waking up early in the morning. It is our aim to bring people inside, to a place of safety.
Last year we helped 1,240 people get off the streets of London and helped begin this journey for many more.
### **How you can help**
The more hours we are out on the streets, the more people we see, the more lives we save. Please donate whatever you can and help us end rough sleeping in London.
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** cold weather, emergency, homelessness, Outreach, Rough sleeping, sleeping rough
---
### [Thames Reach pilot shortlisted for London Homelessness Awards 2025](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/07/16/thames-reach-pilot-shortlisted-for-2025-london-homelessness-awards/)
**Published:** July 16, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Our Resettlement Support Team project was recognised for its success in helping hostel residents move on to stable accommodation
**Content:**
We’re proud to share that our *Resettlement Support Team* has been shortlisted for this year’s London Homelessness Awards. The awards recognise innovative and impactful work supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across the capital.
The Resettlement Support Team was a Thames Reach pilot delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority and London Councils. Based in three hostels across London the pilot aimed to examine how dedicated resources, and a fresh and skilful pair of eyes could help improve the number of people who moved away from emergency accommodation and into long-term accommodation.
As well as the benefit to people who moved on, the aim was also to provide better access to emergency accommodation for people who are currently on the street, helping them to start their journey away from homelessness. Through personalised resettlement plans, the team worked closely with partner agencies to ensure people were assessed for the most appropriate accommodation and had access to the support needed to sustain it. Crucially, the pilot also linked people with post-resettlement support, helping to reduce the risk of tenancy breakdown.
Kristian Draper, Director of Services at Thames Reach, said:
“We’re thrilled that the Resettlement Support Team pilot has been shortlisted for the London Homelessness Awards. The pilot demonstrated the impact of taking a joined-up, person-centred approach to resettlement — not just helping people move on from hostels, but giving them the best chance of staying settled for good. We’re now exploring how we can build on this success and make this approach a permanent part of our service.”
We’d also like to congratulate the other five projects shortlisted this year:
- Crisis UK – Brent SHPS Refugee Housing and Integration Service
- Haringey Migrant Support Centre – Migrant Homelessness Response
- London Borough of Hackney – Benefits and Homelessness Prevention Service Complex Needs Team
- Royal Borough of Greenwich – Temporary Accommodation Reduction Programme
- The Outside Project – LGBTIQ+ Centre and Trans+ Winter Night Shelter
The final winners and runners-up, who will share a £60,000 prize fund, will be announced later this year at a ceremony hosted by Baroness Louise Casey.
Simon Dow, Chair of the judging panel, said:
“Once again we have an extremely high-quality shortlist of projects for this year’s award. Here is real evidence of the endless ingenuity and determination of the organisations working with people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We are proud to broadcast their successes.”
Find out more about the London Homelessness Awards at: [www.lhawards.org.uk](http://www.lhawards.org.uk/)
## Donate today
Your support can help people sleeping rough in extreme temperatures to escape the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** News
---
### [Ginny’s transition to fulfilling work](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/07/31/ginnys-transition-to-fulfilling-work/)
**Published:** July 31, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Through our Southwark Works programme, Ginny found the support she needed to make a meaningful career transition.
**Content:**
Before joining Thames Reach’s Southwark Works project, Ginny was in a difficult position. Stuck in a physically draining cleaning job during the pandemic and struggling financially, she knew she needed a change but wasn’t sure where to turn.
“I was quite depressed and felt trapped in a job that was exhausting and poorly paid,” she recalls. Her turning point came when she discovered Thames Reach’s Southwark Works through a simple online search. Despite her initial scepticism, she decided to reach out, hoping for some support to move away from cleaning and into a role that she would find more fulfilling.
Thames Reach’s Southwark Works is part of a wider service set up by the London Borough of Southwark. It aims to provide bespoke support for Southwark residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who are seeking sustainable employment.
When Ginny first met with the team at Thames Reach, her outlook was bleak. She was overwhelmed and uncertain about her future. “I was quite depressed, and I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do next… I just knew I needed to get out of the cleaning job,” she explains. Thames Reach assigned Shahid as her support worker, who provided the structured assistance she needed to navigate her career transition.
### Turning her passion into a career
Ginny had been practicing yoga for 25 years and, despite training as a Yoga Therapist to help people with specific health issues, she was unsure how to turn her passion into a sustainable career. “I wanted a job where I could work directly with people and use all my yoga skills,” she says. Shahid and the team at Thames Reach helped her refine her CV, navigate job platforms like Indeed, and prepare for interviews.
The breakthrough came when Ginny was contacted via Indeed by a company that offered yoga and dance to children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) in schools and for residents in care homes. “I was initially unsure about teaching yoga to both these client groups, but it turned out to be incredibly rewarding,” Ginny says.
This opportunity allowed Ginny to take on a part-time temporary position with Camden Council’s Adult Learning Section, where she teaches yoga to clients over 60 in a care home, day-care centre, and community centre within the borough. Working with individuals who have diverse needs, including those with dementia, has not only provided Ginny with a renewed sense of purpose but also helped her clients stay healthy, engaged, and connected, reducing feelings of isolation.
Ginny has also secured a part-time position with Bede House, a Southwark-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. The support she received from Thames Reach in expanding her job search, along with the interview preparation provided by her support worker, Shahid, played a crucial role in helping her make this transition. “I find it difficult to ask for help, and coming to Thames Reach was a big shift for me. It helped me overcome my resistance to seeking support and made me realise I could still learn and grow,” she reflects.
Today, Ginny is not only free from the draining job she had previously but also thriving in both roles that align with her passion and skills. “I’ve left cleaning behind and I’m excited about my future,” she says.
Ginny’s story is a good example of how targeted support and resources can enable individuals to make meaningful career changes and improve their overall well-being.
## Donate today
Your support can help people live more fulfilling lives
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homelessness, Mental Health, Prevention
---
### [Lambeth IPS: connecting employment and mental health support](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/02/lambeth-ips-connecting-employment-and-mental-health-support/)
**Published:** October 2, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Our Lambeth IPS service supported Claire's recovery and guided her into a new career in the homelessness sector.
**Content:**
Our Lambeth Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service helps people with mental health support needs in Lambeth take steps towards meaningful employment. As part of our partnership with the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance, we focus on providing comprehensive employment support to those receiving mental health care, to help them access good quality, sustainable jobs. Claire’s story is an example of how our service is making a difference.
In 2023, Claire experienced a severe mental health crisis that led her to connect with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM). Facing the challenges of a mental health breakdown and the stress of recent redundancy, Claire was in urgent need of support. “In my first meeting, they were like, what do you need help with? And I said I need a job. Immediately,” Claire recalls.
Through SLAM, Claire was introduced to Thames Reach’s Lambeth IPS and met with Giuseppa, who is a Lead Worker in the service. Unlike other employment services Claire had encountered, Giuseppa’s approach was holistic, focusing on what Claire wanted and needed for her well-being. “Her approach was, ‘What is it that you want and what is healthy for you right now? And how can we get it?'” says Claire.
### Building confidence through tailored support
For Claire, finding employment was not just about a paycheck but also about rebuilding her confidence and managing her mental health. Giuseppa recognised this and tailored her support accordingly. “My confidence was shot. I couldn’t get out of bed. I was riddled with anxiety”. Giuseppa’s patient, supportive approach allowed Claire to start with a part-time job, which was a crucial step in her recovery. “There was no way I could have gone back to work full time at that point,” she says. “Giuseppa helped me explore my options, find the right job, and build the confidence to take those first steps.”
This experience paved the way for a more significant career shift. Having always been passionate about working with people, particularly in the homelessness sector,Claire decided to pursue this path with Giuseppa’s support. She has recently begun a full-time role as a support worker in a hostel at a homelessness charity. “This service has been absolutely vital,” Claire says. “I wouldn’t have been able to make a career transition without this kind of guidance.”
[Thames Reach’s Lambeth IPS service](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lambeth-ips/) goes beyond typical employment support by understanding how closely mental health and work are connected. The partnership between IPS and the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance is crucial in offering a smooth and coordinated approach, helping people get support in different areas of their lives. By bringing together mental health and employment services, we can tackle the wider challenges that people like Claire face, making sure they get the all-round help they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence. This teamwork is key to supporting long-term recovery and stability.
**\*Names have been changed in this article**
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homelessness
---
### [Luan’s journey out of homelessness ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/07/02/luans-journey-out-of-homelessness/)
**Published:** July 2, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** See how he rebuilt his life and regained stability with the support from Greenwich Navigators
**Content:**
In 2023, Luan found himself sleeping rough on the streets of London, struggling with addiction and psychosis. “I had nowhere to live,” he recalls. “I was suffering from mental health issues… and then along came Thames Reach. They picked me up and supported me. They’ve been with me ever since.”
Luan is one of many people supported by Thames Reach’s **Greenwich Navigators** team, a service commissioned by the local authority to support people with a history of rough sleeping or those at risk of becoming street homeless. The service works with people facing a range of complex needs – from substance use and mental ill-health to trauma and physical health challenges – to help them find stability and move forward.
### **Navigating homelessness and instability**
When Luan was first referred to the Greenwich Navigators team, he was placed in shared accommodation – a house in multiple occupation (HMO). Within a month, Thames Reach supported him to move into a temporary one-bedroom flat in Woolwich, where he stayed for about six months.
Then, in late 2024, Luan’s life changed again when he was successfully offered a permanent council flat. “I was bidding and within about three or four bids they offered me a property,” he explains. “They supported me – they helped me with furniture and stuff like that, with curtains and bedding, beds, a cabinet…”
> “I really owe Thames Reach a lot of gratitude. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be anywhere.”
### **Steps towards recovery**
Since moving into his new home, Luan has begun a personal journey of recovery and self-care. “I wanted to change. I needed the help, and I finally got the support that I needed,” he says. “It’s helping me to get through day by day.”
He now attends two in-person support groups each week, as well as online recovery sessions. “Since November last year, I haven’t used any drugs or alcohol. I’ve managed to stay clean and sober.”
Although he still lives with anxiety and depression, Luan is taking positive steps. “A lot of time I feel I just want to isolate. I find it hard to be around people… but now I’m just learning to cope and deal with the situation.”
### **Ongoing support – and hope for the future**
Luan continues to receive regular contact from his Thames Reach support worker. “From time to time, they do a welfare check to see how I’m getting on. I feel like it’s very important that I still have that support.”
Looking ahead, Luan wants to use his experience to help others. “I feel for people still sleeping rough, you know? That was me. In the future, I really want to give back in a way – by working with addiction and mental health. I’m working on myself, but I’d like to do things like that to help others.”
> “They gave me a new lease of life. I’ve been given another chance – and I’m going to do something about it this time.”
### **Help someone find their way off the streets**
Your support can help more people like Luan find safety, stability, and the chance to recover. **[Please consider donating to Thames Reach today. ](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/source-blog-luan/)**
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Thames Reach trustee awarded MBE for services to charity ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/06/16/thames-reach-trustee-awarded-mbe-for-services-to-charity/)
**Published:** June 16, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The award is a recognition of Vasim Ul Haq's outstanding service to charitable boards over the last 40 years
**Content:**
We are proud to share that Vasim Ul Haq, Vice Chair of Thames Reach’s Board of Trustees, will be awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his outstanding service to charitable boards over the last 40 years.
Vasim has served on Thames Reach’s Board and the predecessor Bondway board for over 40 years and currently chairs the Finance, Audit and Fundraising Committee. Alongside his role at Thames Reach, he is a Partner at Azets, an accountancy and financial services company, and Chief Executive Officer of Supportive Housing LLP.
Thames Reach Chief Executive Officer, Bill Tidnam said, “Vasim has been a part of Thames Reach, and before that Bondway Housing Association, for as long as I can remember. I’m really grateful for his advice and guidance to the organisation over these many years, and above all to his quiet but deep commitment to our mission of ending street homelessness. This award is well deserved and we wish him well for the future.”
**Categories:** News
---
### [New plan of action for London, spending review and repeal of the Vagrancy Act signal progress on rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/06/11/new-plan-of-action-repeal-vagrancy-act-progress-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** June 11, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Commitments from City Hall and central government reflect a growing focus on long-term solutions
**Content:**
The Mayor of London’s [new plan of action to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2030](https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/housing-and-land/housing-and-land-publications/mayors-rough-sleeping-plan-action-2025) focuses on the right areas — improving prevention, joining up services, and creating sustainable routes off the streets through long-term housing and support.
It’s a clear and timely commitment to tackling the structural causes of rough sleeping, and we’re encouraged to see emphasis on collaboration across services and boroughs. Of course, success will depend on sustained central government investment, but this is a real opportunity for alignment and joint action across London.
### **Government spending review**
In a further positive development, the [Government’s newly published Spending Review](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spending-review-2025-document) outlines a major long-term investment in affordable housing — including a commitment to nearly double funding for the Affordable Homes Programme, with £39 billion pledged over 10 years, and the introduction of a 10-year rent policy for social landlords.
Additional funding includes £100 million for homelessness prevention and £950 million for the Local Authority Housing Fund to support temporary accommodation. This increased funding could unlock vital opportunities to build and improve homes for thousands of people we support and communities across the country.
However, while we are encouraged by this long-term funding pledge, key details on how this investment will help people who are affected by rough sleeping are yet to be clarified. We look forward to the Government’s homelessness strategy, which we hope will clarify the steps that the government will take to ensure that this investment, together with the work of Thames Reach and others, combine to create a society in which it is no longer necessary to sleep on the streets.
### **Repeal of the Vagrancy Act**
We also welcome the Government’s confirmation that [the Vagrancy Act 1824 will be repealed](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rough-sleeping-to-be-decriminalised-after-200-years) by spring next year. No one should be criminalised for rough sleeping. Although rarely used in practice, this outdated legislation has contributed to the injustice faced by people forced to sleep rough. Its repeal is a long-overdue recognition that homelessness should be met with support, not punishment.
---
Together, these developments mark a real step in the right direction. We remain committed to playing our part in building a future where no one is left without a safe place to stay, and hope this signals continued progress towards tackling the root causes of homelessness — backed by the long-term investment in housing, prevention and frontline support that’s needed to make lasting change.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** homelessness, Rough sleeping
---
### [Seeing the bigger picture through volunteering: Diana’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/06/05/volunteering-dianas-story/)
**Published:** June 5, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Volunteering at Deptford Reach has deepened Diana’s understanding of homelessness—and her desire to keep making a difference
**Content:**
Diana started volunteering with **Deptford Reach**, a community-based service that supports people affected by or at risk of homelessness, during her university placement. What began as a short-term requirement quickly turned into something much more meaningful.
“I’ve been in service for just a little over a year,” Diana says. “I started through a placement when I was at uni, and that’s where the journey began. It has been brilliant.”
She now volunteers mainly at the food bank, helping people navigate issues related to housing, benefits, and council tax, and signposting those with more complex needs—such as immigration issues—to the right services.
“I support people in different areas,” she explains. “Where we can’t help directly, we point them to the relevant organisations. Whatever I can do, I just have a passion for giving support to those who need it.”
Having completed a BA in Social and Community Development, Diana says her time at Deptford Reach has also helped her academic growth. “There was a module that touched on providing different kinds of support for different age groups and backgrounds. So yes, volunteering really helped me.”
For Diana, the biggest reward is the human connection.
“I enjoy meeting different people from different backgrounds and hearing their stories,” she says. “It’s an adventure. You learn so much and really start to understand homelessness.”
**“Some people think homelessness is just about drugs or alcohol, but it’s not. Homelessness can reach anyone.”**
Although Diana has finished her degree, she continues to volunteer, hoping it might eventually lead to a role within the homelessness sector. “I would like to keep doing what I do best.”
When asked what advice she’d give to someone considering volunteering, her answer is clear: “You’ll get to learn more, meet different people, and see the bigger picture. It opens your eyes.”
If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with us, [click here.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** volunteering
---
### [Extending our support beyond London ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/04/28/extending-our-support-beyond-london/)
**Published:** April 28, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** See how our teams in East Surrey and Hastings are helping people find a route away from street homelessness
**Content:**
Thames Reach has been supporting people experiencing street homelessness in London for decades, but our work doesn’t stop at the capital’s edge. While outreach in London focuses on responding quickly to referrals to find people who are sleeping rough and helping them move off the streets, our work outside the city looks quite different – shaped by rural landscapes, smaller caseloads, and a deeper connection to local communities.
Our East Surrey Outreach Service, led by Krystian Turek, has been supporting people across a vast and often rural area for several years. More recently, we’ve expanded this work to include a new outreach service in Hastings. If you’d like to help us reach more people, **[please consider supporting us today.](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)**
Krystian, Lead Manager for East Surrey, explains what makes this service unique:
“We don’t just do outreach. We’re quite embedded in the community here – perhaps more so than is sometimes possible in London, where there are more people and more services. The caseloads may be smaller, but the area is vast. It takes longer to get to people, but we often have more time to build personal relationships and offer intensive support.”
#### The service
The East Surrey Outreach Service covers a large and varied region – from Epsom and Reigate to Dorking and beyond. Outreach workers use referrals from StreetLink, intelligence from local partners, and knowledge of known sites to locate and support people who are sleeping rough or facing homelessness.
“We have to manage resources carefully. Travel is a big challenge, and we need to strike a balance between face-to-face contact and remote support, especially when getting from one part of the region to another can take time,” says Krystian.
Despite the logistical challenges, the team is able to offer tailored support to individuals in a wide range of circumstances – including those who might not meet the traditional definition of rough sleeping.
“Because our caseload isn’t overwhelmed by high numbers, we can spend more time with people in hidden homelessness – people living in cars, in wooded areas, or couch surfing. We’re able to pick up on more complex or subtle needs and adapt our approach accordingly.”
The team also works closely with local authorities and partners to provide tenancy sustainment and prevention support. This includes helping people at risk of homelessness before they reach crisis point, and working with people in temporary accommodation who need extra help.
“We’re filling a gap here,” says Krystian. “People who are disconnected – not only those sleeping rough, but others in unstable housing situations – can fall through the cracks. Our presence helps bring them into view.”
#### Community impact
The outreach team in East Surrey is making a significant impact – not only by helping individuals move away from rough sleeping, but by strengthening local partnerships and shaping responses to homelessness in the area.
Stories like the one Krystian shares – of a man who had been sleeping rough for 30 years and only recently accepted support – highlight just how vital this patient, consistent outreach can be:
“It took two years of gradual support, building trust, and gently offering options. He didn’t have high support needs, but he’d been completely off the radar. That’s the kind of impact we can have.”
With the recent launch of our new Accommodate and Connect service we’re extending this person-centred approach to other parts of the South East – Hastings, Rother, Wealden, Eastbourne and Lewes – working to ensure that no one is left without support.
By donating to Thames Reach, you can help us extend our outreach services even further, ensuring more people receive the help they need to move away from homelessness.
[**Donate today and be a part of the change.**](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Outreach
---
### [Read the Thames Reach Annual Review 2023-24](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/12/20/read-the-thames-reach-annual-review-2023-24/)
**Published:** December 20, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** We're delighted to publish a review of the work we've been doing over 2023-24
**Content:**
The Thames Reach Annual Review 2023-24 is now available to read. The document details how we’ve been helping people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in London, between April 2023 and March 2024. The review looks at the positive impact our work has had on the lives of people using our services, as well as providing information on approaches we’ve developed to better support vulnerable people.
This year’s review, with introductions by Chair of the Board Stephen Howard and Chief Executive Bill Tidnam, features case studies and interviews with staff members, volunteers, and with the people using our services.
For all this and more, take a look at the [Thames Reach Annual Review 2023-24](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Annual-Review-23-24-Final-Digital.pdf).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Annual review, intervention, Prevention, publications, Recovery, what we do
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### [A year on: how Graham is continuing to rebuild his life ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/04/28/a-year-on-how-graham-is-continuing-to-rebuild-his-life/)
**Published:** April 28, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** A year after sharing his story, Graham is continuing to rebuild his life with support from Thames Reach
**Content:**
Just over a year ago, we shared [Graham’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/04/grahams-story/)—his journey through addiction, the heartbreak of losing his partner, and over a decade of homelessness. At that time, he had recently moved into Thames Reach Greenwich, one of our supported accommodation services, and was beginning to take steps towards recovery and stability.
Today, Graham’s life looks very different.
“I wake up in the morning and actually enjoy life now,” he says.
### Finding support
Graham spent a total of twelve years homeless, with a short period of stability when he lived in a caravan with his partner. After she passed away, he struggled to cope and found himself back on the streets. Things began to change when he was referred to Thames Reach Greenwich, where he received structured support with housing, health, and daily life.
“If it weren’t for them, I’d be in a much worse place,” he says. “They’ve helped me sort my life out.”
### Rebuilding health and routine
Since moving into supported accommodation, Graham has remained drug-free and has been focusing on improving his physical and mental health. He’s now receiving regular care for COPD and has quit smoking—an important step in managing his condition.
“They’re giving me a gym pass, which will help with my breathing,” he says. “I know there’s no cure, but I can manage it.”
One of the most meaningful changes has been reconnecting with his family.
“I’ve got my kids and granddaughter in my life now,” he says. “Before, everything was just about getting through the day. Now, I think about them first.”
### Looking ahead
Graham is now preparing to move into his own one-bedroom flat. With continued support from the team at Thames Reach Greenwich, he’s building a routine, learning to manage his health, and beginning to address things he hadn’t faced before.
“I never dealt with things properly before,” he says. “Now, I’m getting help with that.”
While the journey hasn’t been easy, Graham is proud of how far he’s come and remains hopeful about the future.
“I appreciate what I have now,” he says. “I’m in a much better place.”
Thames Reach helps people like Graham rebuild their lives.
[Find out how you can support our work today.](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
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### [The challenges and opportunities in supported housing ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/04/10/the-challenges-and-opportunities-in-supported-housing/)
**Published:** April 10, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** A thought piece by Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, reflecting on the future of supported housing and its role in ending street homelessness
**Content:**
At Thames Reach, our vision is of a society where nobody need sleep rough, but we are increasingly concerned about the unintended consequences of new legislation that aims to tackle rogue-supported accommodation providers, but which could mean that it is more difficult for people to find a route off the streets.
In an earlier piece, we wrote about the important role that hostels can play in ending rough sleeping and how change is required if they are to play this role effectively.
What we didn’t write about then was what fills the gap when good hostels and supported housing aren’t there. Loopholes in legislation have made it relatively easy for investors to buy houses on the open market and then use these to provide accommodation for people who need ‘care, support, or supervision’.
This is a loosely defined phrase which, if accepted, justifies much higher levels of housing benefit which can be claimed by the tenant and paid to the landlord. This higher rent is designed to compensate landlords for the additional running costs of this accommodation.
This form of accommodation came to prominence in response to the widespread closure of supported housing in the twenty teens as a result of local authority cuts, and while this fills a gap, it has been exploited by some commercial players who have seen this as a way to generate a handsome return on their property investment.
This, in turn, has led to the warehousing of people in poor accommodation with inadequate support and issues of anti-social behaviour where unrestricted development of such accommodation has taken place.
It is to address these issues that Parliament approved a new piece of legislation- The *Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act* in 2023*.* The government is now consulting on how this can be implemented. The idea was good to clamp down on exploitative landlords to protect their tenants and to manage uncontrolled benefits expenditure, all things that we would support. However, its scope is much wider, and as the government consults on the implementation of the Act, it is clear that there is very little understanding of the type of accommodation managed by organisations like Thames Reach and the impact that the Act could have on their ability to help people.
Thames Reach runs hostels as transitional accommodation, typically aimed at people who are, or who have been, sleeping on the streets. They will often lack detailed assessments of the issues they face (indeed, that assessment is the function of some of the hostels we run). They will typically have lost previous accommodation because they owe rent, because they have fallen out with neighbours, or for any number of other reasons.
### **The risk to services**
Generally, these hostels are built and owned by housing associations, but they are run by charities. The charities are usually ‘commissioned’ by local authorities, who pay for a proportion of the costs of running the accommodation and of the costs of the staff who work there. In return, the local authorities have control over who the hostels house and are responsible for making sure that the service they provide is a good one.
The consultation document is interesting. It seems to envisage a world in which most accommodation is funded entirely through rental income provided by benefits. This is problematic, partly because, to do this, rents (largely paid through benefits) would need to be much higher.
As well as making a transition into work difficult or impossible for the people that live there, this model puts the much greater risk of running accommodation for people with significant disadvantages — and often real difficulties in prioritising rent payment — on the charities that run them. The danger is that charities will be forced to mitigate this risk by excluding the people who are most in need.
Despite the increase in rough sleeping, there has been little investment in improving hostels or building new ones in recent years. This is because the revenue funding for the costs of running a hostel often does not match the (capital) investment needed to build or improve one. Put simply, housing associations are unwilling to invest in a scheme when they don’t know if there will be money there to run it.
In addition, the guidance envisages asking housing associations — who provide the accommodation but don’t run the hostels — to take responsibility for the quality of the service. This is not what the majority of housing associations do. Even when it is, fulfilling this function will be expensive for them at a time when many already see supported housing as a marginal activity that distracts from their core business of building and maintaining mainstream housing.
This added responsibility runs the risk of weighting the scales even further against housing associations’ involvement in supported housing to a point where they will withdraw.
We would ask the government to listen, to take locally commissioned accommodation for people affected by rough sleeping out of the provision of the act, and to consider diverting some of the money that is currently paid in benefits to local authorities to allow them to properly pay for this essential accommodation. Without this change, we are likely to see the closure of services, an even greater reliance on unsuitable accommodation, and more people spending longer on the streets.
**Categories:** Blog
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### [Read the Thames Reach Business Plan 2025-2028](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/04/08/read-the-thames-reach-business-plan-2025-2028/)
**Published:** April 8, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Read the latest Thames Reach Business Plan
**Content:**
The latest Thames Reach Business Plan, covering the years 2025-2028, is now available to read.
The document shows how we will work towards achieving our mission of ending rough sleeping in London over the next three years.
The plan also lays out the different ways in which we will approach our work, including [Accommodation](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/accommodation-and-outreach/), [Prevention](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/), [Influencing](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/influencing/), and [Support](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/support/).
Read the [Thames Reach Business Plan 2025-2028](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Business-Plan-25-28-Final_Digital.pdf).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Business Plan
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### [Thames Reach corporate partners step up for the London Walk 2025 ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/04/04/corporate-partners-london-walk-2025/)
**Published:** April 4, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Representatives from Bevan Brittan and Enterprise raised nearly £6,000 for Thames Reach by taking part in the London Walk 2025
**Content:**
On Friday, 14 March, representatives from two of our valued corporate partners, Bevan Brittan and Enterprise, laced up their walking shoes to take part in the London Walk 2025. This inspiring event, organised by the London Homeless Collective, brings together charities working to combat homelessness in London, uniting supporters for a powerful show of solidarity across the city.
A team of 12 from Bevan Brittan and four from Enterprise joined hundreds of others walking distances of 10km, a half marathon, and a full marathon through Central London. Their dedication and fundraising efforts helped raise nearly £6,000 to support people facing homelessness—an incredible contribution that will make a tangible difference in our work at Thames Reach. One participant from Bevan Brittan shared their thoughts on the experience, saying, “It truly was an amazing, and humbling, experience and all of the team took on each step knowing that what they were undertaking was for a very important cause.”
We are incredibly grateful to Bevan Brittan, Enterprise, and everyone who took part in this year’s London Walk. Their commitment reflects the strength of partnership and collective action in tackling homelessness.
If you’re inspired to fundraise for Thames Reach, there are many ways to get involved—whether by becoming a corporate partner, joining an event, or organising your own fundraiser. [Find out how you can support us here.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/.)
**Categories:** News
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### [Rebuilding life with support from Hounslow Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/03/19/christophers-journey-with-hounslow-reach/)
**Published:** March 19, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Christopher overcame financial struggles and regained confidence—now, he hopes to help others do the same.
**Content:**
When life takes an unexpected turn, the right support can make all the difference. For Christopher, that support began through a service in Hounslow, which Thames Reach later took over and now runs as Hounslow Reach. The service provides advice and assistance to residents of the London Borough of Hounslow, helping people regain stability in difficult times.
Christopher’s challenges began after caring for his elderly mother, which left him emotionally drained and financially strained. “I was in debt, depressed, and barely wanted to leave the house,” he recalls. He was first referred to a local service in 2019, where he began working closely with Vadim, a support worker who helped him get his life back on track.
When Thames Reach took on the contract, continuing the service under the name Hounslow Reach, Vadim joined our team and continued working with Christopher in his journey towards rebuilding his life.
### Step-by-step support
“Vadim met me for coffee, encouraged me to get out, and helped me manage my finances,” Christopher explains. With Vadim’s help, he tackled his debts and gradually rebuilt his life. A significant step in this journey was securing a new washing machine, a seemingly small but vital part of regaining control over his daily routine.
As Christopher’s confidence grew, Vadim continued to support him by helping him access essential benefits, such as pension credits and Personal Independence Payment, which were vital for managing his osteoporosis. Reflecting on the support he received, Christopher says, “If it wasn’t for people like Vadim, I don’t know what I would have done.”
### Looking ahead and giving back
Although health conditions have prevented Christopher from going back to work, he is now considering giving back by volunteering. “The most important thing is knowing you’re not alone,” he says. “This service has been there for me when I needed it, and I want to do the same for others.”
Hounslow Reach’s work goes beyond individual support; it helps prevent bigger problems. “This service is a vital stopgap. It helps people before they end up in hospital or worse,” Christopher notes.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
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### [A Day in the Life of a Support Worker](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2019/11/01/day-in-the-life-support-worker/)
**Published:** November 1, 2019
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Jamie Shovlin, Support Worker for the Rapid Response team, discusses his daily routine at Thames Reach
**Content:**
Jamie Shovlin, Support Worker, Rapid Response
*“I normally start around 6pm with shift planning, which I do from home. This involves looking at new referrals that we’ve received through Streetlink for the areas of the city I’ll be covering that night. I’ll also check the previous night’s shift to see if there are any follow-up actions from that need to be factored into the shift. I’ll put the referrals into a plan on Google Maps and move them about to find a route that gets to as many people as possible on shift. Around 7:30/8pm, I’ll pick up my volunteer and head out, using a Zipcar located close to home.*
*The most satisfying thing is ending people’s homelessness there and then on the night, on the street. In truth it may be ultimately very short-term as the challenges of keeping people from returning to the streets are many, but the immediate relief and people’s reactions to it are very satisfying. I also enjoy working with skilled, diligent and sensitive colleagues and volunteers, who give their time and energy to ending street homelessness.*
*Perhaps the biggest challenge is engaging people who’ve been out on the streets for a long time. They may be sceptical about what you can offer, may have had bad experiences in the past with services, may be struggling with substance abuse and health issues. It’s difficult to build a bigger picture of the type of care and approach that might benefit the individual if they won’t engage with you on any level. But we try and work out the best way to offer that person support.*
*The work is fundamentally very independent in practice but only works in substance as part of a larger team. We put out a number of shifts each night across London and are in constant communication with each other whilst on shift. If one of us is in a difficult situation, there are a number of colleagues who can help. We often work directly with each other and talk over situations and exchanges that were challenging. Each worker has a different approach and will have different advice and support regarding each situation.*
*It starts with the planning, the layout and idea of the shift. After a while you get to know areas and are able to guess where and when people are most likely to be found. Then there’s searching for people and if finding them, working out the best form of support. Ideally we can take them to an emergency shelter but sometimes this isn’t possible, so we have to offer alternative support and reassurances that we are trying to help them away from the streets. I think trust is one of the biggest aspects of this work – the person you’re speaking with has to believe you have their best interests at heart. You have to clear and honest with people even if means delivering news they don’t want to hear. Then there’s the reporting of each shift and encounter which should be clear and concise, so that colleagues can see what work you have carried out and know what the next step of action is.*
*The scale and dedication of the outreach services makes Thames Reach unique. We’re covering such a large area with such a dedicated workforce. Colleagues are from a broad range of backgrounds, and that influences their connection to the work and how they do it. This contributes to the service’s dynamic and robustness and makes the challenging tasks at hand that much more achievable.”*
**Thames Reach are expanding and have roles available across London at a range of levels. Experience is not necessarily required as full training and support is provided. There are opportunities to work flexibly or part-time around other commitments, which allows a range of people with different experiences to work together to end street homelessness.**
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homeless, homelessness, rapid response, support worker
---
### [A fresh start for Mubarak ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/03/19/a-fresh-start-for-mubarak/)
**Published:** March 19, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Support from Deptford Reach and the Essentials Fund helped Mubarak create a home and take steps towards his future
**Content:**
Mubarak’s journey to London was far from simple. Originally from Freetown, Sierra Leone, he arrived in the UK decades ago as an asylum seeker, escaping the violence of the civil war back home. “I was between the devil and the deep blue sea,” he recalls, describing the desperation of his situation and the uncertainty of his future. Years after his arrival, Mubarak’s life was still marked by instability, with housing difficulties and limited resources compounding his challenges.
When Mubarak connected with Deptford Reach, Thames Reach’s community advice service, he found an essential lifeline. Deptford Reach supports people in Deptford who are affected by homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, providing personalised help to assist them in recovering and rebuilding their lives. Through this support, Mubarak received help not just with practical resources but with his journey toward stability and independence in the UK.
The Essentials Fund, part of the support offered by Thames Reach, was crucial in helping Mubarak settle into his new flat, allowing him to purchase household items and essentials that made his space feel like home. With help from the fund, he received items like bedsheets, an electric steam iron, a kettle, and a shaving mirror — basics that allowed him to feel secure in his own home. “It made such a difference,” he said. “With all these things, I finally feel comfortable and safe.”
With a stable base, Mubarak has also been able to work towards his longer-term goals, including training for employment in venue security. Through Deptford Reach, he completed his training to work as a steward in major venues like Wembley Stadium. Although he still awaits his new work permit, Mubarak is feeling positive about his future.
Your donation to Thames Reach provides vital help to people like Mubarak, giving them access to the support and practical items they need to create a secure and stable home environment. [Click here to donate. ](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
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### [What do outreach workers do?](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/12/20/what-do-outreach-workers-do/)
**Published:** December 20, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Our outreach workers help people who are homeless to get off the streets
**Content:**
Our outreach workers help people who are homeless to get off the streets. They are out every night of the year, helping people find accommodation, access healthcare, and other services they might need, such as benefit advice.
### **Getting a roof over someone’s head is just the first step**
Once a person becomes homeless, they can become trapped and it’s difficult to escape as they need support to help navigate the system.
At Thames Reach, we focus on the person as an individual – not just a sleeping bag in a doorway. Getting a roof over someone’s head is just the first step; our job is to help people feel human again and get them back into the system. In order to do that, we have to build trust with an individual and that can take time.
Our support is tailored to the individual. For one person that might mean helping them fill in forms, for another it might mean going with them to an appointment.
### **Giving hope and a roadmap to a way out**
As well as practical advice and support, we give hope to the people we support. Many people who have been homeless feel hopeless. Our job is to give them a credible roadmap to feeling hopeful again. Something as simple as taking someone to have a haircut can help make them feel human again, and hopeful that their situation can improve.
### **We never give up**
Once we have made contact with an individual, we stay in touch with them until they are no longer rough sleeping. We often get told about people sleeping rough in certain locations, as if no one knows about them or is doing anything, but we do know nearly all of these people and are doing something about it. Not everyone feels ready to stop rough sleeping. It takes time for them to build trust with us, especially if they’ve been failed by systems or institutions in the past.
### **Volunteer for us**
Our volunteers work alongside our outreach workers to help find and engage people sleeping rough. If you are interested in volunteering for us and can commit to at least one night a month, then get in touch for more information.
[**Find out more about volunteering**](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** cold weather, emergency, homelessness, Outreach, Rough sleeping, sleeping rough
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### [Challenging the system to end rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/02/18/challenging-the-system-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** February 18, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** How we are working beyond direct services to address the root causes of homelessness – a think piece by Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive
**Content:**
At Thames Reach, our vision is of a society where no one needs to sleep rough. As the number of people recorded as ‘Living on the Streets’\* increases yet again in the quarter from October to December 2024, this vision can seem to be a very distant one. Everyone who works with Thames Reach, whether as a member of our staff team, a volunteer, or with one of the many organisations that we partner with, is dedicated to this vision, but we would be the first to admit that this isn’t enough.
### **The complex causes of homelessness**
As we have pointed out in our previous pieces, the causes of street homelessness are complicated and involve both the economy and the housing market, but also how effectively the services that exist to support people work, the life that people have led before they became homeless, and the options they have. At Thames Reach, we have limited control over big issues like this, but they drive homelessness and rough sleeping, and it can sometimes seem like we are powerless in the face of an incoming tide.
The conclusion we draw from this is that it is not enough for us to deliver the services that we deliver, excellent though we believe they are. We should also seek to influence the system that means that a complicated life with many problems is punished with poor-quality, insecure housing and the potential for a life on the streets.
Part of this is about the provision of affordable housing – this is not something that Thames Reach aspires to doing; there are organisations far better equipped than us to do this, but they do need support from national and local government to prioritise this alongside all the other demands on them.
The vast majority of the services that we provide are commissioned and paid for by local government. We think that where it works well, this is a good combination of the flexibility and innovation of charities with the overview of an elected authority with statutory responsibility. It doesn’t always work well, and when it doesn’t, it can lead to semi-detached and ineffective services which are inflexible and over-protective of local budgets at the expense of the people who most need help.
### Influencing the system for long-term change
Part of the problem is in the way that so many services are fragmented and don’t join up. For example, mental health services work with a person’s mental health, but often won’t work with people if they have a substance misuse problem that compounds their mental health, and substance misuse services find it difficult to treat people who have an active mental illness. The result is often that people don’t get the help they need from either service.
So, other than complaining, what is Thames Reach’s role? We think that the knowledge gained from the work that we do gives us an, if not unique, a rare clarity around both the problems and solutions. While we don’t have all the answers, we certainly have a good idea of a way towards some of the solutions. Much of this is about money – we do need more affordable and specialist housing – but just as much is about how services work together and focus on the impact on the individual rather than on their organisational priorities and targets. In practice, this means that we need to be prepared to be generous in using our time to help the system get better – so working with local and central government to help them think about how best they use the limited resources they have most effectively; by challenging others who propose simplistic and unworkable solutions; and by making sure that policy is focused on the reality of street homelessness and solutions that will work, rather than on ill-founded preconceptions or dogma. Often, much of this work is not public or high-profile – we are serious about making change, and public sloganeering is not always the best way to achieve this.
Increasingly, we see that this work that we do to challenge and change the system that makes and keeps people homeless is as important as the work that we do directly with people who need our help, and is critical if we are serious about ending rough sleeping.
*As recorded on the GLA’s Chain database – those who have had a high number of contacts over 3 weeks or more, suggesting they are living on the streets. Increase from 681 (Q2) to 704 (Q3).*
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Think pieces
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### [Irene's Volunteering Journey at Hounslow Reach ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/01/29/irenes-volunteering-journey-at-hounslow-reach/)
**Published:** January 29, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** See how Irene's experience as a volunteer transformed her perspective and prepared her for a new career
**Content:**
Hounslow Reach, one of Thames Reach’s services, provides essential advice and support to residents of the London Borough of Hounslow who may face challenges such as mental health issues, physical health needs, or learning disabilities. Irene began volunteering with the service in April, seeking an opportunity to gain new experience. With her background in hospitality, including a role as a waitress at Heathrow Airport, this was an entirely new environment for her.
Encouraged by Aparna, Volunteering Manager at Thames Reach, she committed to volunteering two mornings a week, shadowing support workers and learning about the service. She accompanied them on home visits, supporting people and observing how the team helped them improve their independence and well-being.
The experience was transformative for Irene. “You see a different point of view when you enter someone’s home. People open up to you—it’s very humbling,” she said. The experience gave her valuable insights into the lives of others and a sense of fulfilment from contributing to her community.
Volunteering at Hounslow Reach also prepared Irene for her current role with the NHS Dietitians Team, where she conducts home visits to assess patients’ health and dietary needs. “Without my time at Hounslow Reach, I wouldn’t have felt as confident stepping into this role. The experience gave me the foundation I needed.”
Reflecting on her time at Thames Reach, Irene emphasised the supportive atmosphere. “Everyone was so kind and welcoming, which made the experience even better,” she shared. Inspired by the resilience and dedication of the team, she gained an appreciation for the impact of support services. “They listen to very sad stories every day, yet they can still laugh and stay positive. That was really eye-opening.”
Her advice to anyone considering volunteering? “Definitely do it. It’s humbling, and you gain so much experience and insight. Plus, you meet incredible people who are dedicated to making a difference.”
Although her new role has limited her ability to volunteer, Irene remains grateful for the experience and its influence on her personal and professional growth. “If I could, I would go back. It was such a rewarding experience.”
Irene’s story highlights the profound impact of volunteering—not just for the people we support but for the volunteers themselves. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back and grow personally, volunteering with Thames Reach could be the perfect opportunity. [Explore our current volunteering roles and take the first step toward making a real difference.](https://thames-reach.goassemble.com/opportunities/results#display=grid&s=date_advertised&o=desc&limit=14&include=image&public_search=true)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
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### [Breaking the cycle: how we work to help people leave homelessness behind ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/01/23/breaking-the-cycle-how-we-work-to-help-people-leave-homelessness-behind/)
**Published:** January 23, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, explains how trust and tailored support help people set their path to independence
**Content:**
At Thames Reach, we work to prevent street homelessness, support people sleeping rough, and help them move away from homelessness for good. In the last piece, we showed how accommodation—whether hostels, supported housing, or settled housing— and the way that these are (or are not) provided can either help people to move away from homelessness for good, or actually reinforce the damage that is caused by life on the streets. We also noted that for many people, particularly those with needs associated with their mental health or drug or alcohol use, moving away from the streets is not just about providing housing.
The nature of life on the streets is that it is chaotic. You may find it difficult to follow through a straightforward programme of treatment, increasing the likelihood of a health crisis that requires you to use A&E. Services may struggle to communicate with you to tell you that you need to come in for an appointment, and it becomes even more difficult if that appointment is at the same time as an appointment with the job centre to sort out your benefits so that you can get into accommodation. More difficult still if you can’t read well and don’t have access to the internet to rebook appointments. Or if you finally have got an offer of accommodation but need to get furniture and arrange utility connections, and fend off a landlord who wants the rent when you are waiting for a benefits claim to be agreed. All of this while moving into a new area and trying to transfer your treatment to a new GP and perhaps a new Community Mental Health Team.
Each of these problems is practical and solvable, but togetherr—and combined with the justified belief based on past experiences that things often go wrong— they can become overwhelming.
### **What is support?**
The role of our staff is first to build trust, by doing what we say and sometimes by making quite a small difference, then starting to help to fill the gaps and join together all these elements into something that makes sense and helps rather than overwhelms. Through this, we try to help the people we support overcome their distrust and fear and begin to take control of their lives and move away from homelessness for good.
By working across boundaries and helping people navigate complex and intimidating systems, we can break the spirals of rejection and disengagement that keep people homeless.
An obvious example of this work is done by our street outreach services. While we provide outreach work across most of London, Thames Reach is commissioned by ten local authorities across London to work with people who are sleeping on the streets. The role of our outreach services is to find people who are sleeping on the streets and to help them into accommodation. Much of this work involves people whose route off the streets is not straightforward. There is often no suitable accommodation immediately available, and our staff need to build trust while asking people to wait and being honest about the options that are, and are not, available.
This model of work continues in our emergency accommodation. The best way to describe this accommodation is a sort of hospital ward – a place where people can be linked with the help they need, such as health services, substance misuse treatment, housing, and benefits.Like a hospital ward, however, this is not a place for long-term stays. The role of our support staff in these services is, again, to build trust, challenge, and help people get the help they need to move on.
Moving on can itself be a difficult time. Often moving out of hostels and supported housing is a difficult step. You have your independence, and your own front door, but you can also be confronted with many of the issues you faced before you ended up homeless. Without help to bridge the gap, this can mean that this positive move to independence is a risky time.
The support we provide during this transition — helping to resolve benefit issues that could lead to eviction, addressing challenges such as exploitative ‘friends’ taking over your flat, or finding and keeping work—can mean the difference between building the confidence to manage independently and returning to the streets.
These are just some examples of the work of our support staff, but what they have in common is a focus on building trust, linking services together, and putting the people we support and their recovery at the centre of what we do. By working across boundaries and helping people navigate complex and intimidating systems, we can break the spirals of rejection and disengagement that keep people homeless.
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [BBC Newsnight features Thames Reach's work tackling rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/12/17/bbc-newsnight-features-thames-reachs-work-tackling-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** December 17, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach’s Charley Matthews and Gemma Topham shared insights on the challenges of rough sleeping and the need for systemic change
**Content:**
Last week, BBC Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire joined Thames Reach’s City Outreach team to better understand the challenges of rough sleeping in London and the reasons behind the recent rise in numbers.
Victoria accompanied Charley Matthews, Lead Manager in our City Outreach team, for part of their outreach shift, where they discussed Thames Reach’s work supporting people to move away from the streets and the complex causes behind rough sleeping.
As part of the visit, Victoria also spent time at our Rough Sleeping Assessment Centre in the city, where she spoke with some of the people we support about the challenges they face and their next steps towards leaving the streets behind. She also spoke with Gemma Topham, Lead Manager in the centre, about the difficulties in helping people move on to more permanent accommodation.
The feature shines a light on the realities of rough sleeping and the urgent need for systemic change and collective action to deliver lasting solutions.
The story aired on BBC Newsnight last night, and you can watch it below or on-demand via BBC iPlayer.
**[Watch the story on BBC iPlayer (starting at 13m20s)](https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00261xz/newsnight-16122024)**
**Categories:** News
---
### [Celebrating the life of Jeremy Swain](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/30/celebrating-the-life-of-jeremy-swain/)
**Published:** October 30, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We recently gathered to celebrate Jeremy Swain’s life, achievements and lasting impact on the homelessness sector.
**Content:**
Thames Reach and the London Housing Foundation (LHF) were privileged to host a celebration of the life and achievements of Jeremy Swain, the former Chief Executive of Thames Reach and most recently the Chair of the Thames Reach Housing Board. Jeremy died on Monday, 27 May 2024, following a short illness.
His daughter Ellie has written [this tribute.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Jeremy-Swain-Obituary.pdf)
Over 200 colleagues gathered recently at the Olympic Park in east London to share memories and hear contributions from a range of people from Jeremy’s work and family life.
Among those in attendance were Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive, Gareth Bowen, Lead Manager in our Acre Lane Project, and Dennis Rodgers MBE, who used our services, volunteered for Thames Reach, and now works as a Homeless Health Advocate for Groundswell (pictured below).
Ian Brady, Executive Chair of LHF said: *“It was a real privilege for us to host this event with Thames Reach. To see over 200 people remembering and paying tribute to Jeremy was incredibly moving and just shows what an incredible impact he had on the sector.”*
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach said: *“The event was a fitting celebration of Jeremy Swain, his many years with Thames Reach and his massive contribution to the homelessness sector in London and in the world.”*
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Board, board member, homelessness, Rough sleeping, Thames Reach, Trustee
---
### [Thames Reach projects highly commended at the London Homelessness Awards 2024](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/12/16/thames-reach-projects-commended-london-homelessness-awards/)
**Published:** December 16, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We are proud to be highly commended at the 2024 LHA for our PLACE and CHA projects
**Content:**
Thames Reach is proud to be highly commended at the 2024 London Homelessness Awards for our Pan London Accommodation & Community Engagement (PLACE) and Connect Home Aspire (CHA) projects, which are making a significant impact in providing sustainable housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness in London.
Now in its 25th year, the London Homelessness Awards celebrate the outstanding efforts of projects that are helping to prevent and reduce homelessness across the capital. The awards recognise initiatives that demonstrate exceptional impact and dedication, with a £60,000 prize fund.
Fiona Sutherland, Area Director at Thames Reach, expressed her gratitude for the recognition:
“*We are thrilled to have been highly commended at the 2024 London Homelessness Awards. The success of our PLACE and CHA projects is the result of an incredible partnership between Thames Reach, Cromwood Housing Group, and all our other collaborators. Together, we have secured 526 affordable tenancies and provided 724 individuals with long-term homes and the support they need to rebuild their lives. This recognition highlights the power of collaboration in making a tangible difference in the lives of those we support.”*
Cromwood Housing Group, a key partner in both PLACE and CHA, played a vital role in the success of these projects. Mark Wajnsztok, Lettings and Tenancy Manager at Cromwood, emphasised the importance of the partnership:
*“We’re incredibly proud to be working alongside Thames Reach in the PLACE and CHA projects. This commendation is a testament to the collective effort of all the teams involved in providing quality, affordable homes for those who need them most. We remain committed to working together to create lasting change.”*
PLACE and CHA are innovative solutions that address the urgent need for long-term housing. These projects have already helped hundreds of people secure permanent homes, fostering stability and independence.
We also want to extend our congratulations to Housing Justice’s project *The Night Shelter Lettings Network*, which was awarded first prize at this year’s awards. Well-deserved congratulations for Lambeth Council’s *Routes to Independence Pathway* project and Treasures Foundation’s *Revealing the Hidden Treasure in Each Woman*, which received second prizes. Finally, we would like to congratulate the other highly commended projects: *The Passage: No Night Out* service and *Turning Point: RBKC Rough Sleepers Drug and Alcohol Service*.
Thames Reach remains committed to leading the way in housing-led solutions and continuing to work closely with our partners to expand our impact across London. This recognition motivates us to continue driving change and offering innovative solutions to those experiencing homelessness.
For more information about the awards, please visit [London Homelessness Awards website](https://lhawards.org.uk/about-the-awards/).
**Categories:** News
---
### [EU Settlement Scheme — how we're helping homeless and vulnerable people from the EU during Brexit](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2020/02/10/blog-eu-settlement-scheme/)
**Published:** February 10, 2020
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Fernando Suárez Veronelli, Lead Worker on Thames Reach's EU Settlement Scheme project, writes about his role in supporting European nationals to secure their residency rights and move away from homelessness
**Content:**
**Now that the United Kingdom has formally left the European Union, European nationals living in this country are seeing changes to their residency rights. Last year, a new [EU Settlement Scheme](https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families) (EUSS) was launched, aimed at allowing European citizens and their eligible family members to continue living in the UK during, and after, the Brexit process. The EUSS is open to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who take up residence in the UK prior to the deadline of 31 December 2020.**
In addition to this scheme, the Home Office has also funded a project aimed at helping homeless and vulnerable European citizens with their applications. Thames Reach is one of 58 organisations working to deliver this.
According to the latest figures from the [Combined Homelessness and Information Network](https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/chain-reports) (CHAIN), a Greater London Authority-commissioned database that records information about rough sleeping in London, 39% of the people seen sleeping rough in the capital between October and December 2019 were EU nationals. European citizens can’t access the same services as UK nationals, including vital support that prevents people from ending up on the streets, such as emergency accommodation. This issue is often made even worse by many vulnerable and at-risk people having an uncertain residency status. As a result, the number of people from the EU sleeping rough in London has reached appalling levels, and this lack of access to support also makes it harder for Thames Reach to help them escape a dire situation.
Thames Reach’s EU Settlement Scheme began in September 2019, and is accredited by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner. In my role as Lead Worker, I help coordinate and deliver the project, working with people who have come into contact with Thames Reach and other similar organisations. By helping clients to secure their residency status through the EUSS, we can also better help them access the support they need. This, in turn, can help prevent them from becoming homeless or returning to the streets.
Before I joined Thames Reach, I studied Human Rights and Peace Management at the Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana in Mexico City, and have also studied Middle Eastern conflict and leadership skills. I have on-the-job training on various aspect of refugee law and have worked extensively with refugees on behalf of the Mexican Refugee Office. After moving to London, I worked and volunteered as a fundraiser at War Child and at the Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation, which eventually led me to this role.
We run our EU Settlement Scheme project right across London, operating from various Thames Reach sites and running drop-in centres in the boroughs of Brent, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham and Southwark, as well as making home visits so that clients get the help they need with their application and other support needs.
For many vulnerable people, the EUSS application process can be difficult to access. Issues can include: a lack of digital skills; language barriers; a lack access to the internet or electronic devices; a lack of documentation in order to prove residence; or simply just a lack of awareness about the scheme’s existence. Then there are other difficulties our clients face, such as mental or physical health problems, which can be major factors in becoming homeless and tend to be made worse by time spent sleeping on the streets.
In most cases, we have regular face-to-face appointments with each client, working through their particular needs. We aim to make sure that they’re comfortable, and that they understand the service and the situation they’re facing. We then take them through each stage of the EUSS application, helping them gather the right information, and also covering what will happen, and what might need to be done, when the outcome arrives.
People tend to engage and react more positively to a personalised service; they feel heard, understood, and included. We aim to make sure that clients feel their personal circumstances are being attended to. We always encourage people to express their doubts, direct them to other necessary support, and we never give up on anyone.
As an immigrant myself, I can empathise and relate to the feelings people have when completing an immigration application. Even though the EUSS has reported a very low number of refusals, applicants can still feel a great deal of anxiety when applying, particularly people who are vulnerable or in hard-to-reach groups.
At present, the Home Office is only funding this project until 31 March 2020, leaving us with only a small window of opportunity within which to support as many applications as possible. So far, over 220 people have accessed our project*,* and over 110 homeless or vulnerable European citizens have been made aware of the scheme. Over 80 of them have received one-to-one advice and support to apply to the EUSS, with 53 having successfully applied so far.
We are very happy and proud of our work to date on this project, particularly the outcomes we’ve achieved, and when seeing the sense of relief on people’s faces when their applications are approved and they know that their residency is secure. This kind of reassurance can go a long way in preventing vulnerable people from becoming homeless.
Thames Reach is very concerned about the large numbers of European nationals sleeping rough and the limited options available to them. We will keep looking at ways of preventing homelessness from happening, and supporting those people who do find themselves on the streets.
**Fernando Suárez Veronelli**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Brexit, EU, European, European Union, homeless, homelessness, Rough sleeping, Settlement
---
### [Homelessness and Mental Health: David's Story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/05/29/homelessness-and-mental-health-davids-story/)
**Published:** May 29, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** See how our Staying Well team works to support individuals with mental health challenges by improving their well-being and living conditions.
**Content:**
The connection between homelessness and mental health is both expressive and alarming. According to a [report by Homeless Link](https://homeless.org.uk/knowledge-hub/unhealthy-state-of-homelessness-2022-findings-from-the-homeless-health-needs-audit/), the number of people experiencing homelessness with a mental health diagnosis has drastically increased from 45% in 2014 to a staggering 82% between 2018 and 2021.
### **David’s Journey**
Last summer, David\* was facing numerous challenges, including a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, depressive disorder, and a mild learning disability. On top of these mental health issues, David also had prostate cancer and was suffering from profound social isolation.
David’s living conditions were far from ideal. His council flat was in desperate need of repair—mould covered his bathroom, his fridge was broken, and his mattress was worn out. The distressing voices he heard exacerbated his isolation, leading to frequent panic attacks and sleepless nights.
Our Staying Well Team, part of Lambeth Living Well Network, an alliance of organisations dedicated to improving the lives of people in Lambeth, stepped in to help. They ensured that David’s living conditions were improved, making his home a safe and comfortable environment, and positively reflecting on his well-being.
Recently, however, David experienced a significant deterioration in his mental health. The voices he heard had gotten louder, causing severe panic attacks, sleepless nights, and days spent in bed.
In response, the Staying Well team consulted with medical professionals from the alliance and coordinated appropriate interventions, including medication and home visits to assess his condition and discuss his symptoms. Their swift action stabilised David’s mental health, preventing further deterioration and avoiding hospitalisation.
David has been attending medical appointments and will soon start radiography. The Staying Well Team continues to support him by regularly checking on his mental health, assisting with medical appointments, and meeting him at home and in the community. David has expressed that since working with the team, his life has become significantly less lonely and stressful, and he greatly appreciates having someone to contact when he has a problem.
### **The Importance of Mental Health Support**
David’s story illustrates the importance of mental health support, especially for those who are vulnerable to experiencing homelessness. Our Staying Well team’s efforts show how integrated support can significantly improve the lives of individuals facing both homelessness and mental health challenges.
[Learn more about the Staying Well Team.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lambeth-staying-well/)
\*Name has been changed to protect the individual’s privacy.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homelessness, Mental Health, Prevention
---
### [Celebrating our volunteers](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/06/04/celebrating-volunteers-week-2024/)
**Published:** June 4, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Find out how volunteering with Thames Reach transformed Avishai's life and see how you can make a difference too.
**Content:**
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we at Thames Reach want to shine a light on the incredible impact volunteers have on our mission to end rough sleeping. More than 130 volunteers add huge value to what we do, offering their time, skills, and compassion to support people experiencing homelessness.
Today, we’d like to share the story of one of our dedicated volunteers, Avishai, who joined Thames Reach as a digital volunteer with the Employment and Skills team last year.
## **Avishai’s story**
Avishai started volunteering with Thames Reach in March 2023 after he learned about the opportunity at a lunch club in a homeless shelter. Since then, he has become an integral part of our Employment & Skills team, using his tech expertise to provide digital assistance to those we support.
Once every week, Avishai arrives at the Employment Academy ready to assist with a range of digital tasks. From setting up accounts to repairing devices, he provides crucial digital assistance to the individuals we support. His role also involves interacting with these individuals, a responsibility that initially made him hesitant, but now has become a rewarding part of his weekly routine.
Avishai shared, “In the last month, people have been asking specifically for me, which I am not used to”. This growing connection with the team and the people we support at Thames Reach highlights the positive impact he has made.
### **Personal and professional growth**
Volunteering at Thames Reach has been a transformative experience for Avishai. With the guidance of the Employment & Skills team, he has learned to conduct himself professionally, understanding the importance of representing Thames Reach with integrity and respect. “Even as a volunteer, I represent Thames Reach, and if I don’t act professionally, I might give clients a bad impression of the organisation”, he reflected.
The skills Avishai developed through his volunteering have been key in helping him secure a paid job doing digital repairs. “In my paid job, even if I had the technical knowledge, nothing would get done if I didn’t know how to communicate effectively. And I wouldn’t be conducting myself the same way if it weren’t for this experience as a Thames Reach volunteer and the skills I gained from it”, he explains.
### **A heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers**
Avishai’s story is just one example of the incredible impact our volunteers have. Whether they are helping with outreach, assisting with employment and skills, or providing vital support to one of our services, each volunteer contributes significantly to our mission. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, compassion, and hard work.
**Inspired by Avishai’s journey?** There are many ways to get involved with Thames Reach. Whether you have technical skills, enjoy outreach work, or want to support our mission in other ways, we have an opportunity for you. As Avishai wisely advises, “Everyone’s role is important; you just need to find what fits your characteristics”.
[Explore our volunteering opportunities](https://thames-reach.goassemble.com/opportunities#display=grid&s=date_advertised&o=desc)
Happy Volunteers’ Week!
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homelessness, Mental Health, Prevention
---
### [Helping people move on from homelessness for good](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/06/26/alannahs-role-the-greenhouse/)
**Published:** June 26, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Alannah, a Thames Reach housing officer at The Greenhouse, shares insights into her daily work, the main challenges she faces, and what success means in her role.
**Content:**
The Greenhouse, a day centre located in Hackney, serves as a crucial support service for people experiencing homelessness in the borough, offering help with housing and healthcare. In this post, Alannah, a Thames Reach housing officer at The Greenhouse, shares insights into her daily work, the main challenges she faces, and what success means in her role.
### Inside Alannah’s role
Alannah’s job is diverse and dynamic. “I love it, it’s hard, but I love it”, she says. Her work involves much more than finding housing for the people we support. “Sometimes I fill in the role of a support worker, a mental health worker, all sorts of things… sometimes people need a hand because they are upset, sometimes you just do what you can do”.
This variety makes each day different and engaging. Alannah enjoys the people-focused nature of her job, which allows her to develop in-person relationships with the individuals she supports. “Even though we are in an office space, it is not an office job, it’s a people job, it feels quite frontline. I see my clients in person, and I build in-person relationships with them, which I really like”.
### Challenges and achievements
The housing crisis is a significant challenge in Alannah’s work. “Not enough places to put people in and they need somewhere to be put in”, she notes. The shortage of housing options is a major obstacle, and many of the people she supports face limitations that make this process even more difficult.
For instance, some of the people Alannah supports lack basic resources that make it hard for them to navigate the housing system. “I support people who are in their late sixties and do not have bank accounts, do not have phones, or have never set up an email address before… it isolates them”.
Addressing homelessness requires more than just providing a roof over someone’s head. The people we support at Thames Reach often have complex needs that go beyond housing, such as health or addiction issues. Alannah emphasises this point: “There’s a lot of complex needs people we work with have, and if those issues aren’t addressed, people deteriorate, and then even if you were to house them, they are not well enough to be there”.
For this reason, a unique aspect of her role is the collaboration with healthcare professionals. The Greenhouse hosts a GP practice within the same building, offering integrated support that significantly improves the services we provide. “I’ve really enjoyed working with the GP here… I’ve had people come in with quite serious symptoms and issues and I’ve been able to get them checked immediately”, she explains. This immediate access to medical support is invaluable for the people we support, allowing us to address both their housing and health needs promptly and effectively.
Despite the challenges, Alannah finds great satisfaction in her work. “I’ve seen people recover. I’ve seen people not just get housed but actually feel better as people,” she shares. Helping people move into stable housing and seeing them rebuild their lives is a significant achievement. “I enjoy that… how they are never going to need to come back here, and I will never see them again, apart from maybe at Christmas, when they drop me off a nice card”.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homelessness, Mental Health, Prevention
---
### [A new start for Benny and Casper at Acre Lane](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/08/02/a-new-start-for-benny-and-casper-at-acre-lane/)
**Published:** August 2, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** See how Benny’s journey with his loyal dog, Casper, has transformed his life at Thames Reach’s Acre Lane hostel
**Content:**
Benny has been living at Thames Reach’s Acre Lane hostel in south London for six months. He shares his room with his loyal dog, Casper. Benny’s path to Acre Lane wasn’t straightforward. After losing his previous dog, which he said had helped him keep clean from drugs for 13 years, Benny experienced a difficult period. “When my dog died, I was alone. I relapsed, lost my job, my house, and my motorbike. I lost everything,” Benny recalls.
Struggling with his loss and falling back into addiction, Benny realised he needed another dog to help him stay sober. He found Casper and rescued him, but initially couldn’t take him in because his previous temporary accommodation didn’t accept pets. Casper stayed with another person until Benny moved to Acre Lane. “When they told me they accept dogs here, I brought him in,” Benny says. Having Casper with him has been transformative, helping Benny stay focused and responsible.
Casper is more than just a pet to Benny. He’s a source of stability and motivation. “Now, with him, I’m not perfect, but all the money I have, I spend for him. I prefer not to have money in my pocket because it’s about temptation. With him, I take responsibility.” Benny spends his days actively engaging with Casper, going out for walks and playing together, which keeps him grounded and occupied.
Allowing pets in hostels is crucial because many people experiencing homelessness have long-standing bonds with their animals. Pets provide emotional support and companionship, which can be essential for mental health and stability. For Benny, Casper is a lifeline. “If he’s happy, I’m happy.”
Acre Lane and two other Thames Reach hostels are proudly [StreetVet](https://www.streetvet.co.uk/) accredited. This scheme ensures that pets like Casper receive essential veterinary care and other support services, allowing residents to focus on their recovery without worrying about their pets. Gareth Bowen, Lead Manager at Acre Lane, said, “We are pleased to partner with StreetVet and give our residents the assurance that their pets will be well cared for.”
Benny’s plans are now centred around finding employment that accommodates caring for Casper, such as delivery jobs that would allow his dog to accompany him in the van, setting them on a path towards a more stable and independent life.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homelessness
---
### [Trevor’s story: overcoming homelessness with The Greenhouse's support](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/10/trevors-story-overcoming-homelessness-with-the-greenhouses-support-2/)
**Published:** October 10, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Trevor found support at The Greenhouse and discovered a passion for music, using it to reflect on his journey and resilience.
**Content:**
Trevor became homeless after a series of challenges pushed him out of stable accommodation. ” The owner of the house I used to live in decided to sell, so I had no choice but to leave,” he explained.
His situation was made even more difficult due to a work accident that left him unable to continue his job. While working on a rubbish truck, Trevor sustained a serious injury when a loose strap from an overfilled bin caused him to fall and suffer a spinal fracture.
Having nowhere else to go, Trevor found himself sleeping rough. “I was living bad, sleeping in a park, in the rain… sometimes at the bus station,” he recalled.
### **Finding Support at The Greenhouse**
During this challenging time, Trevor came across [The Greenhouse](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/recovery/day-centres/greenhouse/), a day centre in Hackney run by Thames Reach, which provides vital support for people experiencing homelessness. At The Greenhouse, Trevor received help with housing and found a sense of community that made a real difference.
“It was nice to meet these people, you know, so I could get off the street”. The centre not only helped him find housing but also became a place where he felt valued and cared for. “Even my birthday, I celebrated here. They surprised me with a cake.”
Trevor now lives in stable accommodation but he sometimes drops in on the team that supported him through his toughest times. “I still like to come here and visit because they did something nice for me”.
### **Looking ahead**
As Trevor moves forward, he hopes to improve his physical health and eventually return to work. During his visits to The Greenhouse, he has also found a new outlet for expressing himself – composing songs. Writing music has become a way for Trevor to reflect on the challenges he has faced during his time without a home.
In the video below, Trevor performs a song he wrote, sharing his personal experience of homelessness and the emotional toll it took on him, while also conveying his hope for the future.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homelessness
---
### [Volunteering with Thames Reach: turning experience into support for others](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/12/12/volunteering-with-thames-reach-turning-experience-into-support-for-others/)
**Published:** December 12, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** See how Nicholas developed valuable skills and knowledge while supporting others through his volunteering at Thames Reach
**Content:**
Nicholas has been a dedicated volunteer with Thames Reach for over seven years, contributing to various roles within the organisation. Currently, he’s working with the Southwark In-Work Progression Team, but he previously spent many years with our Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service at the Employment Academy, helping individuals overcome barriers to work and community reintegration. Through his time with Thames Reach, Nicholas has become a valued part of a service that has evolved to meet the changing needs of the people it supports.
Reflecting on his role, Nicholas shared how his experience in IAG had transformed over the years. “When I first joined, it was a drop-in for local people… mainly Southwark and Lambeth residents, who were looking to maybe get involved in volunteering or training, or some wanted to return to employment.” With each person, Nicholas worked to assess their needs and develop a personalised plan, focusing on their unique goals.
Like many services, IAG had to adapt during the pandemic, transitioning to remote work. Nicholas explained, “It completely transformed the whole service and in a lot of ways improved it greatly because we had to be much more focused with how we worked with people.” This shift allowed them to help people across a wider range of boroughs, offering support remotely to people who had been relocated out of London due to rising housing costs.
Nicholas’s own background has been integral to his role. Having experienced homelessness and challenges with mental health, he empathises deeply with those he helps. “I felt that I had lived experience, that therefore I could come from some kind of position of being able to empathise with what some of the clients were going through because, you know, I’ve been through some of it myself.” His ability to relate to people’s struggles has been a powerful tool in offering meaningful support and guidance, showing others that a difficult past doesn’t define one’s future.
Beyond helping others, volunteering with Thames Reach has provided Nicholas with a wealth of valuable skills that he can carry into his future. Given the opportunity to study for an NVQ Level 2 in Information, Advice, and Guidance with St. Giles, located just down the road from the Employment Academy, he embraced the chance to enhance his knowledge. “I went on to do my Level 3 with them as well,” he shared. This qualification has not only deepened his understanding of the support systems available to those in need but also highlights how his experience at Thames Reach has been mutually beneficial.
Nicholas’s journey of using lived experience to support others is an inspiration to anyone considering volunteering. If you’re interested in making a difference like Nicholas, Thames Reach offers various roles where you can apply your unique skills and experiences to make a real impact on people’s lives. [Click here to learn more.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [The role of hostels in ending street homelessness ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/11/27/the-role-of-hostels-ending-homelessness/)
**Published:** November 27, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** By Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive
**Content:**
In our [previous piece](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/11/05/bill-tidnam-growing-figures-rough-sleeping-in-london/), we discussed the latest CHAIN (Combined Homelessness and Information Network) figures on rough sleeping in London. These figures, for the July to September quarter of this year, marked the highest levels ever recorded. We explored how ending street homelessness—an issue raised in the Mayoral election this spring—requires more than just providing accommodation. The ‘Everyone In’ programme, which offered respite during the pandemic, did provide temporary relief but did not offer a long-term solution. While this improvised accommodation—mainly hotels and B&Bs—was a necessary measure, it is costly and does not address the complex needs of those experiencing homelessness, nor does it provide a sustainable path to settled housing.
We know what works, and we have done it before. A network of well-resourced hostels and supported housing can provide a credible route off the streets. These services help us assess what individuals need to escape homelessness permanently. For some, the solution may be as simple as access to affordable housing—just over a quarter (28%) of people seen sleeping rough in London during this period were reported to have no needs related to alcohol, drugs, or mental health. However, 36% were recorded as having multiple needs—often linked to their homelessness—making it more likely they will stay on the streets for longer.
While rough sleeping has increased over the last 14 years, the number of hostel and supported housing beds has not kept pace. In fact, we’ve seen a reduction in provision, alongside stricter access controls and less long-term accommodation available. Most hostels are commissioned by local authorities but operated under contract by organisations like Thames Reach. Since 2010, local authorities have faced reduced funding and growing demands on their resources. In most cases, there is no legal obligation for local authorities to provide services for single people sleeping rough, meaning hostel spending is often deemed discretionary—hard to justify when budgets are tight. Hostels are typically built and owned (but not always managed) by housing associations, which have little incentive to build new facilities or improve existing ones.
For hostels to support people with complex needs and help them move away from homelessness rather than just house them temporarily, they need sufficient funding. As local authority budgets shrink, services that help people move on from homelessness have been reduced. Council officers are understandably focused on ensuring their limited funds support residents of their borough, meaning hostel spaces are often full, and stays are longer. This has made it even harder to access a hostel when needed.
Rents have increased, partly to make up for shortfalls and partly due to rising costs across the board. Housing people with complex health and substance-use needs present a financial risk, and for some organisations, there is a reluctance to work with individuals who have the greatest needs because they are the least likely to pay rent.
### **What needs to change?**
Hostels may not be perfect and are not the solution for everyone, but if we are to treat rough sleeping as a public health crisis, then good hostels should function like an emergency room. They should diagnose the issue, provide immediate help, and swiftly move individuals to more suitable accommodation to continue their recovery.
To achieve this, we must recognise the crucial role hostels play as the first step away from homelessness. We need to invest in them, update their facilities, and ensure access doesn’t depend on where someone is seen sleeping rough. Most importantly, we must ensure people in hostels have access to the long-term housing they need to leave homelessness behind.
This will require changes in how hostels are funded, with guaranteed long-term revenue to sustain services, alongside investment in improving the physical estate. We also need to examine how resources can be shared more effectively between councils, ensuring that anyone in need can access a hostel bed.
In this context, we welcome the government’s recent consultation on licensing hostels and improving the quality of supported housing. While tackling rogue providers and ensuring good quality accommodation are essential, we must also focus on what makes hostels valuable as part of the solution to rough sleeping—adequate staffing levels, access to long-term housing, and ensuring services meet the needs of local areas.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** homelessness, Rough sleeping
---
### [Ivo's story - one year on](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/12/20/ivo-story-2022-2/)
**Published:** December 20, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** We meet with Ivo, a year after he told his story of recovery, helped by getting his own flat after experiencing mental health issues
**Content:**
**Last year, we shared [Ivo’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/09/ivos-story/), who has seen a huge improvement in his life since moving into his own flat through Brokerage and Resettlement in Lambeth (BRiL), a collaborative project between the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance and Thames Reach, which aims to provide people living in supported or residential accommodation with a flat of their own.**
As part of his ongoing journey with his mental health, Ivo received support from the Essentials Fund to help decorate his flat. Visiting him again in December 2022, it is clear how he has been able to make his flat a home, allowing his creative pursuits to flourish. As he welcomes us in, he says, “this is my studio now. This is where I paint.”
While Ivo has been painting and training in art for most of his life, it is clear that this is a therapeutic practice for him, and has contributed to his mental health recovery, as well as having his own flat.
“I’m in a good creative space at the moment. I love this flat, and I love Streatham. It’s a very good area to make connections in the community.” Making new friends and being able to talk about his interests has also been a huge benefit for Ivo, and although he moved into his flat during a lockdown in 2021, he now feels immersed in the community, including getting involved with volunteering in his spare time, and having opportunities to showcase his art locally.
“Things have really improved since I moved here. I feel back to my normal self, and I’m enjoying things slowly. I’m enjoying life now. Having this flat has helped me feel peace of mind.”
The support Ivo is receiving from Thames Reach has recently reduced, due to his positive progress, but his support worker keeps in contact and is available if he needs advice or support. Ivo says that the combination of Thames Reach’s support, along with that of his community, has helped him gain independence and confidence.
**Your [donation](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/donate/) to Thames Reach can help people gain independence and confidence, just like Ivo.**
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** health, housing, Lambeth, lambeth living well network alliance, Mental Health, Thames Reach
---
### [John's Story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/12/12/johns-story/)
**Published:** December 12, 2022
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** How our Essentials Fund is helping people like John recovering from homelessness
**Content:**
While sleeping rough, John struggled with alcohol addiction. He suffered a bad fall whilst living on the streets and now walks with a crutch and sometimes experiences seizures.
When John was helped off the street by outreach workers, it was important for him to have somewhere accessible to stay. He has recently moved into a self-contained flat, with a small kitchenette in a Thames Reach hostel.
**How the Essentials Fund has helped**
As a former pastry chef, John was keen to get back into cooking.
With help from the Essentials Fund, John purchased an induction hob and pans. These essential items have enabled him to feel more independent and motivated.
John is excited for a fresh start and in his words, to ‘get better’. He wants to re-start his career as a chef and hopes that cooking on the hob will help refresh his memory and skills.
When the time comes for John to move on and leave the hostel, he can take his hob with him.
[Please support](https://thamesreachcharityltd.enthuse.com/EssentialsFund#!/) our Essentials Fund this winter.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Campaign, Christmas, Essentials Fund, Mental Health, physical health, Recovery
---
### [Deptford Reach wins at London Homelessness Awards](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/10/13/london-homelessness-award-2/)
**Published:** October 13, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Deptford Reach's work preventing homelessness in Lewisham has been recognised at the London Homelessness Awards
**Content:**
Three projects from across London have been named as winners of the prestigious London Homelessness Awards for 2022. They will share cash prizes totalling £60,000. The London Homelessness Awards are sponsored by London Housing Foundation, London Housing Directors, The Mayor of London, Crisis and Shelter.
The prize winners are: Greenwich Winter Night Shelter, Pathway Partnership Programme, and our Deptford Reach project, which has won a £10,000 prize at the award ceremony which took place at North London’s Union Chapel on 12 October. The awards were presented by Deputy Mayor Tom Copley.
Jordan McTigue, lead manager at Deptford Reach, says: “Winning this award means so much for both the people we work with, and us as a team, and will be a real boost to the work we are doing in the community. The prize money will go directly towards helping people facing homelessness, allowing us to reach them before they come to the streets. Being able to continue helping people where they are, through food banks, faith hubs and other community spots, is so essential as we start to face the reality of the cost-of-living crisis.”
Margaret Malcolm works with the London Housing Foundation and assessed all of the applicants. She said: “With a strong field of over 30 applicants, each of these projects did well to get to the last six and are doing excellent work. The presentations and stories they told were very powerful. The winners all provide high quality services to a wide range of clients and showcase just how vibrant and innovative the homelessness sector in London continues to be.”
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, said: “We welcome the London Homelessness Award’s recognition of the Deptford Reach community project. If we are to meet our ambition of ending street homelessness we need many more services like this, which aim to intervene to find people at risk and work with them to help them stay in accommodation.”
Deptford Reach has recently expanded its service from a day centre to community outreach, working with people in Deptford and the surrounding Lewisham community to prevent homelessness, offer advice and guidance and signpost to other services. They do this in hubs across the borough such as food banks and faith centres, after finding that the stigma of homelessness and its surrounding issues mean that people are more likely to engage with support where they are, rather than coming to a day centre. The £10,000 prize will help Deptford Reach to continue this work and reach more people, as we face the additional challenge of the cost-of-living crisis.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** award, Floating support, lewisham, london homelessness awards, Prevention, Recovery
---
### [Ealing Move-On Team compete in Tough Mudder](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/09/28/tough-mudder/)
**Published:** September 28, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach's Move-On team based in Ealing competed in the Tough Mudder challenge to raise money for people affected by digital exclusion
**Content:**
Over the weekend, members of the Ealing Move-On team competed in the famous Tough Mudder, in order to raise funds for the people they work with facing digital exclusion. Diana, a senior practitioner in the team, discussed how the day went:
“The team got together at the start of the day, excited and nervous for the task ahead.
“We kept doing fundraising calls until the last minute! We have received great support from our colleagues at Thames Reach, friends, family, colleagues from partner organisations and the local authority.
“Once we reached the grounds, it got real, there was no way back, we all started feeling the energy and enthusiasm of the event; all our belongings were dropped off, including phones. Then it was only us, together as a team, warming up on the starting line.
“One by one, the barbed wire, the muddy slopes, the running on the mud, the jumping of fences, the frozen, icy waters and rope pyramids, the electric obstacles, united us together as a team. It tested phobias, fears and most importantly it showed us that we could conquer it all, working together, supporting each other through hard times. The experience reminded us that we were doing this for the people we work with, who face so many difficulties, inequalities, and loneliness.
“We finished all muddy, soaking wet and very proud for the conquering of 5K Tough Mudder.
“We were so tired afterwards, and struggled to find a ride to the nearest station, until a miracle happened and we managed to get a taxi. Instead of taking payment for carrying our muddy selves, he asked to donate the price of the fare to the fundraising page. This man warmed our hearts with an act of kindness and selflessness, which is needed in these testing times, and was a heartwarming and hopeful end to such an amazing day.”
Well done to the team for completing the muddy challenge: Jernel, Winston, Marie, Diana, Sylvia and Ishmael.
**If you would like to donate, head to their [JustGiving](https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thamesreachealing) page.**
**If you have been inspired to fundraise for Thames Reach’s work ending rough sleeping, please visit our [fundraising](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/) page.**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** challenge event, Fundraising, London, move-on, Moving On
---
### [Volunteer Klarissa on art as therapy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/06/06/art-volunteer-interview/)
**Published:** June 6, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Volunteers' Week: Klarissa volunteers at one of our hostels, running an art group for residents
**Content:**
**Klarissa volunteers with Thames Reach, running an art group at one of our hostels in central London. She has been doing this since the start of the year, and reflects on what it means for residents to get involved with a creative practice, as well as what she has learned from the experience.**
“I come in every Wednesday and run an art workshop in the afternoon. It’s important that I keep the structure as open as possible, so people don’t feel put off by a lack of experience or confidence in making art. The objective certainly isn’t to produce a perfect painting or drawing, it’s to have some time and space to be freely creative, in a way that feels comfortable.
“When I started volunteering, I came into it quite naïve; I was full of enthusiasm and was very amped up at first but then I realised that I’m coming into an environment where someone might be finding themselves again, they might be at the beginning of their journey. I now know that I need to take a back seat and hold the space. Being gentle and taking things slowly can be far more inviting than coming to a group where the facilitator is super happy and chirpy; it’s been a process trying to find that balance, but a very rewarding one.
“The residents are great, it’s been a wonderful experience meeting new people with new creative ideas to work on together. We’ve been able to lean into the challenges that come with being creative, the ongoing hope is to work through cycles of low self-esteem to find that all creativity is valuable and valid. It’s so easy to feel embarrassed by art-making if you’re not confident with what you’re doing, but leaning into that is a skill that we’re all trying to learn. Doing something that can free us from our daily routine and anxieties can be therapeutic in itself. Then there’s the production element of it: once an artwork has been made, it’s a real statement of showing people who you are and how you appear in the world! There is a real issue with people feeling invisible once they’ve experienced homelessness, but making art can be one way to show people how you feel, and how you express yourself. I have gotten to know people at the project not necessarily by them telling me everything, but through the art they are making.
“Having the space for making art, having a chat and being creative every Wednesday means that residents know it’s here, as something completely separate from their usual support networks and friendship groups. People come to the art group with all kinds of issues going on in their lives, but I hope to create a space where they can do something outside of that for a couple of hours. I don’t do this in the expectation that it will change anyone’s life; although I’m interested in therapeutic activites, I’m not a trained therapist, so I have to manage expectations. If it can just change someone’s Wednesday, then I’m happy.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** hostel, Hostels, Recovery, volunteer, volunteering
---
### [Thames Reach bring homelessness prevention expertise to Lewisham](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/05/04/lewisham-ihass-interview/)
**Published:** May 4, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach's latest prevention service is focused on preventing homelessness in the borough of Lewisham
**Content:**
**At the start of April, Thames Reach took over the service Lewisham IHASS (Intensive Housing Advice and floating Support Service) with a new contract. The team’s work will prevent homelessness in the borough with their person-centred approach, addressing the specific needs of the individual, whether this is mental health, tenancy sustainment or drug and alcohol support. We spoke with the service’s new lead manager, Michael, who introduced their work.**
**Can you give us an introduction to your new service?**
We are a homelessness prevention service being commissioned by Lewisham council, with referrals being made from Lewisham Housing Solutions and Lewisham Adult Social Care. The idea is to support people into accommodation and make sure it’s sustainable and suitable for them; we are floating support, so meet people where they are as opposed to a day centre functionality. The team have been TUPED \[transferred\] over from One Housing, who held the contract before us, so it’s a really experienced team. They all know the services available in Lewisham, so we have the contacts we need to signpost for substance support, mental health, the job centre etc. We want to make sure we are a brief intervention service; when we receive referrals, we look to contact the individual within 24 hours and invite them into the service to meet and discuss their needs.
We are solutions-focused, and look to see how we can get people into employment or training, or education if that’s what they want to do. The ultimate goal is to get people as independent as possible in order to sustain their accommodation. Our work will also include mental health support and cessation of smoking if that’s something they need help with, promoting healthy living and wellbeing, widening their networks.
**How does Lewisham IHASS work with other teams within Thames Reach?**
We’ll be working closely with the Employment and Skills team to help people access training such as improving their English language skills. We also have close ties with the financial resilience worker, who is really important as she helps people with upskilling, getting back into work and managing their finances better. Our EUSS (European Union Settlement Scheme) worker will also work with people who are working on their Settled status, if they need assistance with their application. As I said, we are a brief intervention service, so want to work with people for a maximum of six months. If we can identify their needs quickly, we can work better as a homelessness prevention service.
**If you are only working with people for a short period of time, does this imply that support needs are generally low?**
Not necessarily, we have a wide range of people that we are working with. Some have come through the criminal justice system, one person we’re working with at the moment has just left supported accommodation, which wasn’t working for them, and they’ve also come off their \[methadone\] script. The people we are working with may have come from supported accommodation and they need that next step towards living independently, so we are here to listen to what people need for them to gain that independence. There will be people with low needs, but also those with medium needs, and complexities.
People being referred to our service might have presented to the council as being at risk of homelessness, perhaps they need advocacy to protect their tenancies, so they may not be sleeping rough but they are having issues with their tenancy, maybe they are in arrears.
**Although the service was only taken over by Thames Reach at the start of April, what are the objectives for the coming months? How are you measuring your success?**
As a brief intervention service, if we can support and signpost people effectively in a short amount of time, that is a success. Making sure we have systems in place to help people is enabling us to do this well; people come to us with a range of issues, and we need to know that we can help them quickly and effectively, to avoid it leading to homelessness. We work in a person-focused way, offering really good options to people and linking them in with services thanks to the partnerships we have in the community.
**Thames Reach are committed to developing and running services that directly prevent homelessness. Please refer to our 2022-2025 [Business Plan](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-reach/) for more details on how we plan to implement this, based on ongoing successes. This includes “an assertive approach that aims to identify and work with people before problems lead to a housing breakdown” and developing “existing and new relationships with London local authorities” as projects such as Lewisham IHASS are usually commissioned this way. Lewisham IHASS is the latest service to follow this plan towards our vision of ending street homelessness, and we are pleased to be expanding our prevention service.**
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Floating support, lewisham, Prevention, Recovery
---
### [New Thames Reach Chief Executive appointed](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2018/06/11/new-thames-reach-chief-executive-appointed/)
**Published:** June 11, 2018
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Director of Operations Bill Tidnam will replace Jeremy Swain, who is taking up secondment with the MHCLG
**Content:**
Thames Reach has today announced that Bill Tidnam, Director of Operations, will replace Jeremy Swain as the new Chief Executive, whilst Jeremy takes up secondment with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) over the next year to lead the new Rough Sleeping Initiative Team.
Bill has been an integral member of the Senior Management Team since 2004 after starting with Thames Reach back in 2000. Since then, Bill has been responsible for a wide variety of projects and initiatives for Thames Reach, including a range of projects aimed at helping rough sleepers off the streets, tenancy sustainment, employment focused services, as well as work aimed at helping people with mental health problems to recover and stay well.
Bill said: “After 18 years with Thames Reach, I feel immensely privileged to step up as Chief Executive and look forward to leading this fantastic organisation along with our incredible staff, stakeholders, commissioners and partners.
“Looking ahead, it’s an exciting time for the charity and we will continue to develop our work to prevent homelessness and the damage it causes, as well as continue helping people in urgent need on the streets or elsewhere, and work with them to recover and find their place in the world.”
Bill has worked with homeless people since 1981, and with hands-on experience in day centres, hostels, supported housing and resettlement work; Bill brings a wealth of knowledge, understanding and expertise to the job.
Stephen Howard, Chair of Thames Reach said: “Bill is more than ready to step into this role and to ensure that the organisation continues to move forward for the next year, which we expect will be a significant one for Thames Reach.
“Bill brings long experience, passion for the work that Thames Reach does, a dedication to making our services as good as they can be, and is respected and trusted by Thames Reach’s partners and external stakeholders.
“At the same time, we wish Jeremy Swain every success in his role with MHCLG. He leaves a brilliant legacy, and we look forward to hearing more about his progress as he works on the Rough Sleeping Initiative.
**Categories:** News
---
### [Residents move into new Thames Reach hostel](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2018/10/05/residents-move-into-new-thames-reach-hostel/)
**Published:** October 5, 2018
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Martha Jones House opens in Vauxhall
**Content:**
Martha Jones House is Thames Reach’s newest hostel for rough sleepers, housing up to 50 residents in Vauxhall.
The building replaces Graham House – Thames Reach’s former flag-ship hostel, which was decommissioned at the beginning of November, 2018.
Although Martha Jones House is still Thames Reach’s largest hostel, it symbolises an important change in thinking towards smaller services that can offer more targeted one to one support.
The new hostel also offers a mix of larger bed spaces and self-contained flats complete with kitchen space and washroom facilities ensuring that it can cater for a much wider range of needs and abilities.
With an IT suite, communal space for group activities and access to all of Thames Reach’s employment training programmes, the hostel is better equipped to support and encourage residents to become more self-reliant and independent.
Monica Geraghty, lead manager at Martha Jones House, said:
“The transition from Graham House to Martha Jones House went really well, and all residents have now moved in.
“The building looks extremely different to Graham House with much more space, and has been developed to a very high and sustainable specification.
“The ultimate aim for our residents is for them to move away from homelessness and move on to lead a fulfilling life, and the new hostel encourages self-sufficiency and development in a nice comfortable setting,” she said.
The new building accepts pets and allows people with complex needs including drug and alcohol problems, poor mental health and challenging behaviour to stay for up to nine months
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** homeless, homelessness, hostel, residents, Vauxhall
---
### [Housing First scheme launched to support former rough sleepers](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2019/02/13/housing-first-scheme-launched-to-support-former-rough-sleepers/)
**Published:** February 13, 2019
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** New Housing First scheme underway
**Content:**
**A new scheme called Housing First has been launched and is currently being delivered by Thames Reach and Croydon Council. The aim of the scheme is to get people who are at risk of homelessness into their own accommodation.**
The scheme, which was initially set up in 2018, is aimed at supporting people with a history of sleeping rough to settle into their own accommodation, and get the immediate support they need to prevent them returning to the streets.
Through this scheme, 20 people will receive a key to their own flat, and will be supported by a Thames Reach key worker who will help tenants to access specialist support for their needs. This may include access to local health, skills, benefits and employability services.
Key workers will also support the tenants to source furniture, helping them to create a home where they feel comfortable and can take steps towards independent living.
**Jakub Turek, Senior Practitioner at Thames Reach who manages the service said;**
“So far, five people, including one person who was referred from [Thames Reach’s Social Impact Bond (SIB) service](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/response/outreach-services/rough-sleeper-social-impact-bond/) have moved into refurbished accommodation across Croydon.
“The current tenants have quickly become settled and are excited to explore their options for the future, whether that’s volunteering, rehab, training or employment.
“Our key workers are a vital part of the journey, and support people using a flexible step by step approach, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to progress at a pace which is right for them.
“Accommodation isn’t the whole solution, but it is part of the solution in helping people move away from homelessness, and through Housing First we will ensure the tenants have access to a range of support services, giving them the opportunity to move forward with their lives”.
**Kris Draper, Area Director at Thames Reach said:**
“It’s vital that rough sleepers are able to rapidly move into and keep accommodation where they can feel safe”
“Five more people are now in the process of accessing their own accommodation through Housing First, and we are looking forward to working with more people and helping them to make positive changes
“This service would not be a success without our partnership with Croydon Council so we would like to thank them for their support and assistance”.
Housing First is one of many ways that Thames Reach and Croydon Council are helping people to move away from homelessness.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** England, figures, homelessness, London, MHCLG, Rough sleeping, statistics
---
### [Thames Reach to run outreach service in East Surrey](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2019/04/08/thames-reach-to-run-outreach-service-in-east-surrey/)
**Published:** April 8, 2019
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** East Surrey Outreach Service to work with people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness across four local authorities
**Content:**
Thames Reach has been successful in a recent bid to run a service helping people who are sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness in East Surrey.
East Surrey Outreach Service (eSOS) will begin operating as part of Thames Reach in May, and will engage in outreach work to help rough sleepers off the streets, along with preventative work to support people who are sofa surfing, living in other precarious situations, or at risk of losing their home.
eSOS is Thames Reach’s first commissioned service outside of Greater London and the organisation is looking forward to working with partners in the region to develop new ways of helping homeless and vulnerable people.
The service covers four district councils: Epsom & Ewell, Tandridge, Reigate & Banstead, and Mole Valley, a region which includes the towns of Dorking, Epsom, Leatherhead and Redhill.
Catherine Parsons, Thames Reach director of operations, said: “We are pleased to have this opportunity to tackle the issue of homelessness beyond London and to explore new ways of working to end rough sleeping.”
Thames Reach will be recruiting new staff for this service in the coming weeks. Roles will be advertised at [www.thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/careers](https://live-type2-thames-reach.pantheonsite.io/about-us/careers)
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** East Surrey, homelessness, Outreach, Prevention, Rough sleeping
---
### [New night shelter helping former rough sleepers](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2019/05/02/lambeth-night-shelter-opens/)
**Published:** May 2, 2019
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** A new night shelter is providing former rough sleepers with a place to stay
**Content:**
Thames Reach has opened a new night shelter in South London offering accommodation for up to 15 former rough sleepers.
The night shelter is open to people who are unable to access public funds or who lack a connection to a London borough that would allow them to use local services.
The shelter is open at night; it provides a short term place to stay for residents while they are helped to find secure accommodation and access training and employment opportunities. Residents receive support from a range of Thames Reach services, including [STAR](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/star/), [Safe Connections](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/response/outreach-services/safe-connections/), and the [Employment and Skills](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/recovery/employment-and-skills/) team.
Since opening late last year, the shelter has helped 19 people to find more long term accommodation, and several residents have also been helped to find work.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Accommodation, Charity, homelessness, London, Night shelter, Recovery, Rough sleeping, Shelter
---
### [Terri Filkins, lead outreach worker, awarded MBE in Queen's birthday honours](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2019/06/10/terri-filkins-outreach-mbe-honours/)
**Published:** June 10, 2019
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Terri awarded for her commitment to helping people escape homelessness
**Content:**
**Following the Queen’s Birthday Honours list being released on 8th June, Thames Reach are thrilled to announce that lead outreach worker, Terri Filkins, has been awarded an MBE, with the presentation ceremony being held in the next two months. Terri has been working at Thames Reach for sixteen years, and we spoke with her about the exciting news.**
**Terri, congratulations on your MBE! How did you find out and how did you feel?**
The letter came in the post one morning and initially I was a bit sceptical as to what it might be, I thought it was a spoof. I was in complete shock when I read the letter, and it still hasn’t sunk in! I’ve had to keep it secret for weeks and I’ve been bursting at the seams to tell people. The letter did say I could tell my employer so I went to see Bill the same day and he pretended to know nothing about it…
**What’s your career history prior to Thames Reach?**
Straight out of school I worked for Lewisham council. I have worked for local authorities, housing associations and for a time was HR manager in retail; my passion is working with people, and luckily I’ve been able to do that throughout my career. I always wanted to be a police officer, but after going through all the training and induction, I lasted one day in the job. The role was wrapped up in brutal law enforcement at the time, and I was asking questions about why people commit crimes, and was thinking a lot about prevention rather than punishment. They suggested I would be better off being a social worker. I went back into housing after that, for a number of local authorities in London; I took their advice and trained as a social worker while at Thames Reach, which the charity supported.
**How long have you been with Thames Reach and how has your role at Thames Reach changed over the years?**
I’ve always worked in homelessness but have been with Thames Reach for around sixteen years in a variety of posts. At the beginning I was interviewed by Vicky Mansall, who no longer works at Thames Reach, and we remain close friends. I started in tenancy sustainment, when the solution to rough sleeping was thought to be putting homeless people straight into flats without support, which unsurprisingly didn’t work. After this I was based at Southwark Reach for a number of years. I managed the service for a short time, and although I’ve had a few managerial positions, holding these roles mean spending less time with clients, which is really what I want to be doing. Having the opportunity to influence and shape services is definitely a benefit, though. When we won the bid for Lambeth Community Options I help set it up, working alongside Bill again, about eight years ago. Now I’m back from secondment at Lewisham, I am Lead Outreach Worker at London Street Rescue for Lewisham and Bromley, where I work with all rough sleepers in the two boroughs.
**What have been your most memorable moments?**
I once accompanied a client out of kidney dialysis; we were on the bus and he began drinking wine from the bottle, while telling me how he wanted to stay alive for his daughter. The support was clearly still needed but for me there was no logic between his desire to be here for his daughter and the need to continue drinking. Another client that I will never forget had been sleeping rough under a bush for many years, defiantly refusing offers to come in. Then, on a freezing cold night I asked him yet again to come off the streets. His answer was: “I’ve been rough sleeping for 7 years, 8 months and 24 days”, then he got in the car to go to temporary accommodation. My passion for what I do will never waver but there are still some things that I cannot understand.
**As you’ve said that you’ve always worked in homelessness and love working directly with clients, what keeps you inspired and motivated on a daily basis?**
I tend to gravitate towards the more complex clients; I marvel at the resilience of people, how they can do and achieve so much. This is through accepting support, working together, but most of all it is through their strength to persevere and improve their lives. I enjoy working for Thames Reach because we always push the agenda of homelessness with the same amount of enthusiasm, whether it is in the spotlight or not. No two days are ever the same; having to think on my feet and be flexible keeps me motivated. I respect the fact that I can’t do my work alone; teamwork and relying on different partnerships keeps ideas and actions fresh and relevant.
I truly love working with Thames Reach and am proud of the work we do. Over the years we’ve achieved a lot of wins and are continuing to make profoundly positive changes to people’s lives.
**Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach chief executive, said:** “Terri thoroughly deserves this award which recognises the excellent and committed work that she does and has done in lots of different teams. Terri is the embodiment of Thames Reach’s ethos of never giving up on people, while believing that they can make real and lasting changes in their lives, and has touched many people’s lives in her work. The award is also a recognition of the hard work and commitment of all our staff, wherever they work, and I’m very proud for Terri and for Thames Reach.”
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** homeless, homelessness, honours, mbe, Outreach
---
### [Thames Reach sign UNISON End Violence at Work Charter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/02/24/thames-reach-unison-charter/)
**Published:** February 24, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach have signed UNISON's landmark End Violence at Work Charter.
**Content:**
Thames Reach are pleased to announce that we have signed UNISON’s End Violence at Work Charter. Thames Reach are working on UNISON’s ten-point plan in order to ensure safer working conditions for staff across all our services.
On Wednesday 23 February, UNISON reps Ezequiel Kramer and John Bond visited Thames Reach’s Employment Academy to sign the document with our Chief Executive Bill Tidnam, and were joined by Director of People, Joanna Mark-Richards, and Director of Central Services and Finance, Paul Jackson, to express support for the charter across Thames Reach as an organisation.
To qualify for the UNISON End Violence at Work Charter mark, employers must meet the following standards:
1\. The employer has a written violence and aggression at work policy, including lone working, which is available to all staff.
2\. Responsibility for implementing these policies lies with a senior manager.
3\. Measures are taken to reduce staff working in isolated buildings, offices or other work areas to a minimum.
4\. Staff are encouraged to report all violent incidents and they are told how to do this.
5\. The employer collects and monitors data on violent incidents on a regular and ongoing basis.
6\. Where they are in place, union safety reps are able to access this data and are consulted on solutions to issues relating to violence in the workplace.
7\. Thorough risk assessments are conducted for staff placed in vulnerable situations.
8\. The employer has support pathways in place for staff who are victims of violence at work, so that they know where to turn for advice and support.
9\. Training to ensure staff are aware of the appropriate way to deal with threatening situations.
10\. Where appropriate, independent counselling services are available to staff who are the victims of violence at work.
Thames Reach Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, says: *“Our response to violence whether physical or through abuse targeted at an individual, or group, requires a more sensitive approach than simple exclusion from a service. In many cases we are the only service working with an individual who has had a long history of service exclusion. That is why we wanted to work with UNISON to sign up to the End Violence at Work Charter. This wasn’t simply a matter of signing on the dotted line; getting to this point has meant looking at how we manage and mitigate risk, how we respond to violence as an organisation, how we record and review incidents, how we train and support staff, as well as how we work in partnership. We look forward to continuing this important work.”*
More on UNISON’s End Violence at Work Charter can be found on their [website](https://www.unison.org.uk/).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** director, Staff, UNISON
---
### [Deptford Reach shortlisted for London Homelessness Award](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/07/11/london-homelessness-award/)
**Published:** July 11, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Deptford Reach's work preventing homelessness in Lewisham has been recognised at the London Homelessness Awards
**Content:**
Three projects from across London have been named as winners of the prestigious London Homelessness Awards for 2022. They will share cash prizes totaling £60,000.
The London Homelessness Awards are sponsored by London Housing Foundation, London Housing Directors, The Mayor of London, Crisis and Shelter.
We received over 30 applications for the awards and after visiting the six shortlisted projects and seeing their presentations, the judges have decided on the three top prize winners, with three other projects specially commended.
The prize winners are (in alphabetical order):
– Greenwich Winter Night Shelter
– Pathway Partnership Programme
– Thames Reach, Deptford Reach
Three further projects were particularly commended as making a special contribution to helping combat homelessness in London:
– Camden Adult Pathway Partnership (CAPP) team
– Providence Row Outreach Psychotherapy
– Riverside Street Buddies
The allocation of the prize money (first prize, £30,000, second, £20,000 and third £10,000), will be revealed at a special event at the Union Chapel on 12th October, presented by Deputy Mayor Tom Copley.
Margaret Malcolm works with the London Housing Foundation and assessed all of the applicants. She said: “With a strong field of over 30 applicants, each of these projects did well to get to the last six and are doing excellent work. The presentations and stories they told were very powerful. The winners all provide high quality services to a wide range of clients and showcase just how vibrant and innovative the homelessness sector in London continues to be.”
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, said: “We welcome the London Homelessness Award’s recognition of the Deptford Reach community project. If we are to meet our ambition of ending street homelessness we need many more services like this, which aim to intervene to find people at risk and work with them to help them stay in accommodation.”
The three winning projects (in alphabetical order) are:
– Greenwich Winter Night Shelter: A local charity which provides emergency accommodation and support for the homeless in Greenwich. Last year, they moved away from the traditional rotating night shelter to set up a static venue. With support from over 200 volunteers, GWNS now provides single-room accommodation for nine individuals (including a women’s-only wing), 1:1 casework and advocacy, and a pet friendly drop-in day centre where anyone who is homeless or vulnerably housed can access support and facilities. All services have been designed by guests through focus groups to work towards breaking the cycle of homelessness.
– Pathway: Since April 2021 five London hospitals (St Georges, Croydon, St Mary’s/Imperial, the Homerton and Ealing/Northwick Park) have introduced Pathway’s model of care for homeless patients and have signed up to Pathway’s Partnership support programme. The model is based on work pioneered at UCLH in 2009. In return for an annual fee, each team receives support and training from Pathway’s core staff, access to their on-line service manual and specialist support networks.
– Thames Reach: Thames Reach’s Deptford Reach service provides advice and support to people in the community at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, working to resolve and signpost issues such as claiming benefits, employment, mental and physical health needs and unsuitable accommodation. Deptford Reach has always had a strong reputation for casework advice that helps prevent and resolve homelessness. An enforced temporary closure due to the first lockdown, followed by a review of the service, allowed Deptford Reach to adapt to prevent homelessness more effectively. Having existed as a day centre for many years, stigmas around homelessness have meant that there is a demand for people to access support in different locations. The team now works in seven spaces across Lewisham. As a result, Deptford Reach now works with a wider range of people, offering drop-in crisis and brief intervention work, with a capacity to resolve complex needs that prevent the loss of accommodation.
Details about the London Homelessness Awards can be found at [www.lhawards.org.uk](https://lhawards.org.uk/)
**Notes to editors**
Thames Reach is a charity based in London, supporting people facing homelessness through prevention, intervention, and recovery. The charity specialises in helping people with complex and multiple needs, including mental health and drug and alcohol use. It manages a range of services, including street outreach, frontline hostels, day services, specialist supported housing and employment and skills schemes. Thames Reach’s mission is to assist homeless and vulnerable adults to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. [**thamesreach.org.uk**](https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/3cD2CG9PvTLWYEtK5tt9?domain=thamesreach.org.uk)
**For more information, please contact:**
Thames Reach Communications team:
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** award, Floating support, lewisham, london homelessness awards, Prevention, Recovery
---
### [Thames Reach receive grant as Lloyd's of London Foundation charity partner](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/02/21/lloyds-foundation-charity-partner/)
**Published:** February 21, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach are delighted to have been selected as one of Lloyd’s of London Foundation’s charity partners for 2023
**Content:**
Thames Reach are delighted to have been selected as one of [Lloyd’s of London Foundation](https://www.lloyds.com/foundation)’s partners for 2023. This selection was made after a vote by employees at Lloyd’s, resulting in a £50,000 grant to support financial resilience and digital skills training for people at risk of homelessness.
Thames Reach have been selected on the basis of fulfilling the Foundation’s criteria, including: supporting people and communities directly, demonstrating long-term sustainability, and supporting groups that are at risk and hardest to reach.
Our Employment and Skills team help the people we work with to move towards suitable employment by developing essential skills and finding sustainable jobs, thereby ensuring they can afford their rent, pay utility and food bills, and ultimately keep their homes, ever more so, during the current cost of living crisis. With this grant, the Employment and Skills team will be able to help 2,000 people this year.
Thames Reach’s Employment and Skills programme includes the following strands:
- **Financial Resilience and Digital Inclusion**: IT training and equipment to ensure the people that we support have the skills essential for the day-to-day activities of everyday life.
- **Information Advice and Guidance**: to help a person to establish their goals, objectives and aims (keep a roof over their head, pay the bills, train and develop skills, and seek employment).
- **Access to Training including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)**: over 50% of the people currently sleeping rough in London are non-UK nationals and need to improve language skills in order to access work.
- **Volunteering:** we provide people with little recent experience of the workplace environment an opportunity to volunteer with appropriate support and training to build confidence, self-resilience, workplace skills which are a precursor to a pathway into employment.
- **Job Brokerage:** we provide job brokerage with employers, as we help people prepare to move into work, including interview preparation, work placement, and matching people with supportive job offers.
- **Step Up:** we provide those already in work with support to increase their income and job security.
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, said: “We are delighted to be one of Lloyd’s of London Foundation’s charity partners for this year. This generous support will allow us to expand our work preventing homelessness, by helping people to maintain their tenancies, develop skills, find work, and gain confidence. By providing digital skills and financial resilience advice to almost 2,000 people, we will be able to work towards closing the social and digital exclusion gap, and help people manage their own lives successfully.”
Zorina Begum, Area Manager for Employment, Skills and Prevention Services at Thames Reach said: “It is a privilege that Lloyd’s employees have chosen Thames Reach as one of their Foundation charity partners of the year. We very much look forward to the many opportunities to work with Lloyd’s employees as volunteers to support the delivery of our skills and employment homelessness prevention work, for instance as mentors to our service users, supporting with CV writing and interview skills.”
For editors:
**Thames Reach** is a charity based in London, supporting people facing homelessness through prevention, response, and recovery. The charity specialises in helping people with complex and multiple needs, including mental health and drug and alcohol use. It manages a range of services, including street outreach, frontline hostels, day services, specialist supported housing and employment and skills schemes. Thames Reach’s mission is to assist homeless and vulnerable adults to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. [**thamesreach.org.uk**](https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/3cD2CG9PvTLWYEtK5tt9?domain=thamesreach.org.uk)
The **Lloyd’s of London Foundation** is the independent charity founded and funded by Lloyd’s. We partner with people and charities to build resilient communities.
Society needs resilience more than ever: the ability to bounce back from unexpected events and prepare for a more sustainable, inclusive future.
That’s why we are working to empower and embolden communities through tangible action and long-term partnership.
We channel the resolve, relationships, and resources of the Lloyd’s market to open doors and drive real change for people around the world – instilling confidence and unlocking independence. [**www.lloyds.com/foundation**](http://www.lloyds.com/foundation)
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** community, Employment and Skills, essential skills, Hostels, tech lending scheme, temporary accommodation
---
### [Volunteer wins learning achievement award](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/08/03/volunteer-award-win/)
**Published:** August 3, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Volunteer Becci wins Outstanding Learner of the Year with Lambeth Adult Learning
**Content:**
**Becci volunteers with our Employment and Skills team, closely supporting the work of Lisa in the team. After being nominated for Outstanding Learner of the Year with Lambeth Adult Learning, Becci was thrilled to have won, with a prizegiving held last week.**
“My role involves supporting Lisa with the work she does helping people improve their skills and access employment and volunteering opportunities. I’ve been helping out with a volunteering course, after attending the ‘Introduction to Volunteering’ course myself previously.
“I got involved with volunteering when I spoke to my local council about getting back into work, and I was told about the TRaVEL course, which helps people build confidence so they feel ready for work or volunteering. Now I help deliver this training, and help with other things like supporting people making job applications, when they might struggle putting pen to paper themselves. I like that the role tests my limits and allows me to help other people; I really enjoy helping people and learning new things.
“In the long run, I want to work with young people. I went through the care system myself and was a young mum, and the stigma around that is awful. I want to help people who went through similar experiences, as I believe the system can be really cruel and unfair, and having someone around who can listen and understand what you’re going through is really important. I want to use my passion for working with young people along with my skills and experience to make a difference.
“Last week I was presented with the “Award for Outstanding Learner of the Year” with Lambeth Adult Learning. I was nominated by Lisa, and when she told me I really wasn’t expecting to win, but I got the call and was so surprised to hear that I had won! It’s the first time in my life that an achievement has been recognised outside my immediate circle, so that was really nice. The students from the TRaVEL course came to celebrate with me at the ceremony, which meant a lot.”
**Lisa, who nominated Becci, said: “I realised very quickly when Becci was a learner on the ‘Introduction to Volunteering’ course that she was going to make an excellent volunteer. This observation was based on Becci’s calm and steady temperament, her enthusiasm to learn, her helpfulness towards me and other learners, and her relevant and edifying anecdotes of how she puts the classroom learning into practice in her own life. She is willing to give anything a go adopting the “what’s the best that could happen?” approach which we covered on the course. Where Becci is a classroom volunteer, learners appreciate her perspective on the topics covered. She is also skilled at explaining elements in a different way, which is very helpful for me and for the learners. She is an all-round asset!”**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** employment, Rough sleeping, volunteer, volunteering
---
### [Assessing people's needs quickly](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/11/05/assessing-peoples-needs-quickly/)
**Published:** November 5, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Once our outreach teams have helped people off the streets, our assessment centres have a vital role to play in helping individuals to make sure they’re able to stay off the streets for good.
**Content:**
Once our outreach teams have helped people off the streets, our assessment centres have a vital role to play in helping individuals to make sure they’re able to stay off the streets for good. These centres provide short-term accommodation, where our teams are able to assess each person’s needs and help them find the most appropriate housing solution, whether that’s a hostel, supported accommodation, or another option.
Ziyad, who works at our Lambeth Assessment Centre, which opened in 2023, explains how his service operates: “We operate a 28-day stay assessment centre, with people coming in who have been on probation and those who have been sleeping rough,” he said. “Our goal is to assess their needs and to identify the most suitable accommodation within this timeframe, though we remain flexible as needed.”
The team co-ordinate with other services who can potentially provide each resident with future assistance, and also provide daily support with tasks such as benefit applications, ID requests, and housing benefit claims.
“Our clients often face complex challenges,” Ziyad added, citing substance misuse, physical health problems, mental health issues, and offending. As a result, the team works closely with probation officers, substance misuse specialists, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
“Success is finding accommodation that meets each person’s needs,” added Ziyad. ‘For some people, adapting to life outside of prison can be especially challenging. But building trust is equally important, especially for those who have experienced homelessness.
“One of our biggest obstacles can be a lack of accommodation options, particularly with the housing crisis and challenges in the private rental sector.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Accommodation, Assessment Centre, Rough sleeping
---
### [Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive, comments on growing figures for rough sleeping in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/11/05/bill-tidnam-growing-figures-rough-sleeping-in-london/)
**Published:** November 5, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** He stresses the need for lasting solutions over temporary fixes.
**Content:**
The Greater London Authority Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) is a data tool used by street outreach workers to record their work and, by doing this, the numbers of people who have been seen on the streets.
In a world of competing truths, it is the most accurate record of rough sleeping in the UK and possibly the world. Before we congratulate ourselves on the quality of our recording, it is important to reflect on what this database is telling us.
In the second quarter of this financial year, July to September 2024, 4,780 people were seen rough sleeping in London by street outreach workers.
Before this, the highest number seen in a quarter was in April to June c. 2020, the height of lockdown when 4227 were recorded on the database. This was exceptional; the pandemic had disrupted a range of informal accommodation arrangements; many of these were work-related (so tied to various types of accommodation), and even where this wasn’t the case, the prospect of free hotel accommodation seemed preferable to sofa surfing for many.
After the middle of 2020, numbers on the street dropped as much because of the collapse in demand for rental accommodation in London as any action by the government or charities. There tends to be a reverse correlation between economic success and homelessness; when the economy is slumping, accommodation becomes cheaper and more available, and in times of growth, the reverse is true.
People who sleep rough tend to be at the end of this chain – when accommodation is cheap, they can find a sofa to sleep on or even a tenancy of their own, and when the economy recovers, they are squeezed back onto the streets.
In April to June 2021, numbers had reduced to 2,589, the lowest for many years. Since then, ‘business as usual’ has meant that numbers have started to rise to the last quarter’s record numbers.
While 37% of these 4,780 people were only seen once and presumably went on to reconcile with friends or family or to find somewhere that was better than the streets, many did not, and the really worrying statistic is the number of people who are classed in the jargon of the CHAIN database as ‘Living on the Streets’—that is, people who have been seen repeatedly on the street over a period of time. This is a smaller group, but it’s increasing fast, with numbers going from 481 in the equivalent quarter last year to 681 in the period from July to September this year.
This is also a group of people for whom moving away from the street is going to be more difficult. They are likely to have more complex needs, and these needs are going to grow more complex the longer they spend on the streets. The realistic first step away from the streets is likely to be an assessment centre or a hostel.
This is a problem. The pressures on the housing market mean that it’s more difficult to move on from the temporary accommodation provided in hostels and supported housing to something more permanent.
There are also problems with hostels and supported housing. The money to pay for the staff that makes them what they are has consistently reduced in the last 14 years. And we haven’t built anything new for much longer, meaning that we don’t have hostels where we need them, and we don’t have enough of the right type of hostels.
One answer has been the increasing use of hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation, but this is expensive and doesn’t provide the help for people to recover and move away from homelessness.They’re often a respite rather than a solution to someone’s homelessness.
### **So what are the answers?**
The new government has made a commitment to learn the lessons of the late 1990s and 2000s in their response to homelessness. For Thames Reach, this means that we need to be prepared to ensure the money we spend on homelessness is focused on moving people permanently away from the streets, this means access to good hostels and supported housing as a first step for most, permanent accommodation (including Housing First where this is needed), help to find and keep work, and the help that people need to take this journey.
We need to work hard to move away from a dependence on expensive, poor-quality ‘nightly paid’ accommodation (hotels and B&Bs), and we need to work harder to reach people before they end up on the streets – by collaborating with prisons, hospitals, the asylum system, and housing providers.
All this will take public money and the confidence to stick with a course of action, but the alternative is more people spending longer on the streets, and more money wasted on inadequate responses.
Thames Reach’s mission is one of ending street homelessness, and at a time like this, this can seem further away than ever. **However, we know that we can do this.**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** homelessness
---
### [CHAIN Quarterly Report reveals record-high rough sleeping numbers in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/11/01/chain-quarterly-report-reveals-record-high/)
**Published:** November 1, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Highest number ever recorded highlights increase in UK nationals and rise in individuals 'living on the streets'
**Content:**
The latest findings from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) Quarterly Report for Q2, covering July to September 2024, reveal that rough sleeping in London has reached its highest recorded level for a single quarter. Outreach teams across the capital documented 4,780 people sleeping rough, an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year, and a further indication of the growing rough sleeping crisis in London.
Of particular concern is the significant rise in the number of individuals deemed to be ‘living on the streets’ — those recorded bedded down regularly without stable accommodation. In Q2, 681 people fell into this category, marking a 42% increase from the same period last year.
During this quarter, 2,343 people were recorded as new to rough sleeping—12% higher than the same period last year. The report also reveals a rise in UK nationals as a proportion of those sleeping rough, while still under 50% , this highlights a possible change in the landscape in those affected by homelessness.
These findings reinforce the urgent need for strong, coordinated action to prevent individuals from falling into cycles of homelessness. At Thames Reach, we welcome the additional £233 million budget for homelessness and rough sleeping as a crucial step forward. We are eager to work with government at all levels to maximise the impact of this budget in the year ahead.
For the full CHAIN report, visit [CHAIN Reports](https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/chain-reports).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** homelessness, Rough sleeping, Thames Reach
---
### [Lambeth Living Well Alliance shortlisted for HSJ Partnership Award](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/01/13/lambeth-alliance-shortlist/)
**Published:** January 13, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** The Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance has been nominated for the 'Best Mental Health Partnership in the NHS' category at the HSJ Partnership Awards
**Content:**
The Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance are pleased to have been shortlisted for ‘Best Mental Health Partnership Award with the NHS’ award in the HSJ Partnership Awards.
The Alliance is part of the Lambeth Together Partnership and brings together member organisations: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), Lambeth Council, Certitude, NHS South East London Clinical Commissioning Group (SEL CCG) and Thames Reach, to deliver a transformation in the way people in Lambeth recover from mental ill health and to help them stay well. Its objective is to offer users of its services a wider breadth of options to do so.
Judges are selected from across the NHS and wider healthcare sector. Judges contribute valuable time and effort to work through hundreds of entries, reviewing against strict criteria and attributing scores against a transparent system aimed at rewarding and recognising the best of UK Healthcare.
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive of Thames Reach, said: “Being shortlisted for the partnership awards is a great recognition of the Alliance staff. Working as an Alliance gives us the opportunity to draw the best from all the partner organisations whether the NHS, the council or the voluntary sector.”
Sabrina Phillips, Director of the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance, said: “I am extremely proud that we have been shortlisted as one of the finalists for the HSJ Partnership Awards in the category of Best Mental Health Partnership with the NHS. This a positive reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff, and recognises the collaborative efforts of our Alliance Partners to successfully implement The Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance. We are committed to delivering improved access, experience and outcomes for our patients, and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement. This nomination has been a tremendous boost to staff in the Alliance, and I am sure it will bolster our continued efforts to improve our services for the people of Lambeth.”
The winners will be announced on 24 March 2022, at a ceremony in London.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** alliance, director, Lambeth, lambeth alliance, Mental Health, Staff
---
### [Lambeth Together starts 2022 with a pledge to improve health and wellbeing for all](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/01/19/lambeth-together-2022/)
**Published:** January 19, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Leaders of Lambeth’s health organisations have made a pledge which describes the work of the Lambeth Together Care Partnership to improve health and care and reduce health inequalities in the borough
**Content:**
Leaders of Lambeth’s NHS, council and voluntary and community organisations have recorded a video of their pledge which describes how they will work as the Lambeth Together Care Partnership to improve health and care and reduce health inequalities in the borough. This comes at a time when partners are preparing for new formalised arrangements in line with the Government’s [Health and Care Bill](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-health-and-social-care-for-all/integration-and-innovation-working-together-to-improve-health-and-social-care-for-all-html-version) to build better joined up systems around health and care. Watch their pledge [here.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRjzZWiyhK8])
From 1 January 2022, the Lambeth Together Care Partnership began to operate in shadow form, in anticipation of the legislation placing integrated care systems on a statutory footing in the summer of 2022. The new arrangements will improve the borough’s shared planning and delivery of services, as one of six place-based partnerships of south east London’s developing integrated care system. The Lambeth Together Care Partnership will have responsibility for delivering a new Lambeth Together Health & Wellbeing Strategy and the borough’s Health & Care Plan.
Councillor Jim Dickson, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, and Dr Di Aitken, Clinical Lead for the Lambeth Neighbourhood & Wellbeing Delivery Alliance, will jointly chair the Lambeth Together Care Partnership Board, reflecting shared leadership across the NHS and the local authority. Andrew Eyres, Strategic Director for Integrated Health and Care across the NHS and Lambeth Council, will be the executive lead for Lambeth Together. Other members of the board include representatives from Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts, Lambeth general practice, Healthwatch and the local community including the voluntary sector.
Dr Di Aitken said: “I’m delighted to see us take this important step forward in integrated care, and I look forward to hearing from local people about what matters most to them as we develop our local Health and Care Plan.”
“We want to make our Pledge known to the community as this underpins all the work we do. It represents our shared values, behaviours and, in particular, the ways we will come together to tackle health inequalities in Lambeth.”
Councillor Jim Dickson said: “We need to continue listening and learning as we’ve done throughout the coronavirus pandemic so that we emerge stronger, more connected and less unequal as a community. We welcome these developments in the Health & Care Bill. And we will continue to work more closely with NHS colleagues and our communities to take forward our shared ambitions to improve health and shape what we do around local need as well as our best evidence of what works.”
Integrated care systems (ICSs) bring together NHS providers and commissioners with local authorities and other partners to collectively plan health and care services to meet the needs of their populations. By integrating care across different organisations and settings, joining up hospital and community-based services, physical and mental health, and health and social care, integrated care systems aim to improve population health and reduce inequalities, support sustainability of services, and help the NHS to support social and economic development. All parts of England are now covered by one of 42 ICSs.
With relationships and arrangements for working together developed since 2018 through the Lambeth Together Strategic Board, Lambeth health and care partners are well placed to assume delegated responsibility for planning and managing the majority of services to support health at borough level. Find out more about [Lambeth Together and its leadership](https://lambethtogether.net/about-us/our-leadership-team).
The Lambeth Together Care Partnership holds its board meetings in public every two months, with the opportunity to ask questions in a public forum at the start of every meeting. If you have an interest in health and wellbeing in Lambeth, you’re welcome to come along and share your views. [Find out about the next public forum here.](https://lambethtogether.net/about-us/lambeth-together-strategic-board/lambeth-together-strategic-board-future-meetings-and-papers/)
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** alliance, director, Lambeth, lambeth alliance, Mental Health, Staff
---
### [New figures show 19% reduction in rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/01/31/chain-stats-jan-2022/)
**Published:** January 31, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** New CHAIN figures released today show a reduction in new people coming onto the streets
**Content:**
We welcome the publication of the Quarter 3 2021/22 CHAIN (Combined Homelessness and Information Network) figures by the Greater London Authority today. The figures cover the months September to December 2021, and show a slow but welcome reduction in the overall numbers of people sleeping rough across London in the quarter, 11% down on the same period last year.
However, within this headline figure we see a worrying rise in the number of people experiencing rough sleeping in the long-term (19% increase on last year, and 16% higher than the previous quarter), defined in the report as ‘People Living on the Streets’. The factors behind this rise are complex, but include the lack of options for people with unclear immigration status, difficulties in accessing suitable health and drug and alcohol services, as well as a shortage of supported accommodation spaces for people with complex needs.
This increase in people who are sleeping rough long-term further highlights the importance of targeted prevention and early intervention aimed at those at risk of street homelessness. In the work we do, there is clear evidence that support at an early stage helps prevent the devastating experience and impact of rough sleeping on an individual’s health and future well-being. Providing support at this level as well as helping an individual to find and stay in suitable accommodation is how we will keep working to reduce the numbers we see in today’s report.
The report is available to read online [**here**](https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/chain-reports).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** alliance, director, Lambeth, lambeth alliance, Mental Health, Staff
---
### [The essential role of Employment and Skills in preventing street homelessness](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/02/09/interview-employment-skills/)
**Published:** February 9, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Michael Buckley, lead manager of the Employment and Skills team, discusses the work they do, and why it is important
**Content:**
**Can you tell us about how the Employment and Skills team are helping people Thames Reach are already working with?** We are always looking to increase the numbers of people we work with, and offer a range of support such as basic skills training, which includes digital literacy, traditional literacy and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). We have a job broker in our teams who can set people up with employment; we have strong relationships with many employers, especially in construction, hospitality, retail, and security sectors. We acknowledge that not everyone will be ready to go straight into a new job, and many people will have gaps in their CVs where life experiences have taken place, so we can also help people become job-ready, with CV support and interview preparation.
Once people are at that stage and in employment, we are also committed to helping people get better paid work, particularly meeting the London Living Wage. We often organise employer engagement events, where we invite employers in to meet potential candidates, so we can demystify the interview and recruitment process as much as possible. They are always popular and have been very successful. For those who may not be ready for work yet, we provide volunteering opportunities to help people gain confidence, experience and get into a good routine.
**Why is it so important to work collaboratively with other Thames Reach teams?** Internal teams have good relationships with the people they work with, and know them really well; some of the work we do will be a brief intervention so that the individual can take that next step. It’s so important that the relationships of trust are maintained between the individual, their support worker and the Employment and Skills team. If we can understand the challenges and the barriers that are preventing people from moving forward, we can use the resources we have to help them in the most suitable way. We work with the TST (Tenancy Sustainment Team) a great deal, all outreach teams, and sometimes hostels. We also have a strong relationship with the EUSS (European Union Settlement Scheme) team, and a good track record of signposting people to the right service to complete successful immigration status applications. This is a vital part of the process of helping people avoid street homelessness.
**Do you offer support to people with a range of needs?** When we have referrals from all different teams at Thames Reach, as well as the wider community, we work with a wide range of people; some may be currently sleeping rough and receiving support through outreach teams, while some people will be in secure housing. To maintain contact, we need to find out if they have access to a mobile phone. We work with an organisation called Community Calling to get people phones so that they can keep in contact with not only us and their support worker, but of course their wider support networks. We then need to know if they are available for work, when they last worked, and what kind of upskilling they might need. Even if people are staying temporarily in hostels, night shelters or hotels, without long-term fixed addresses, we can still help them into work. For some people without fixed addresses, they may have limited entitlement to benefits, so finding work quickly is important.
Our work lies in both preventing street homelessness and helping people recover from it. Getting people into work is not always straightforward and involves a lot of personalised support around improving confidence and self-esteem as well as skills. It is important that we facilitate up-skilling; sustainable work is one of the most important things in supporting people away from homelessness.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** employment, employment academy, Employment and Skills, jobs, Prevention, Recovery, volunteering
---
### [Sebastian's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/02/28/sebastian-story/)
**Published:** February 28, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Sebastian is on his recovery journey away from street homelessness, and is currently a resident in our Peer Landlord project in Hackney. Now he has gained settled status, he is looking forward to entering the world of work again
**Content:**
Sebastian is currently a resident at Thames Reach’s Peer Landlord housing project in Clapton Common, in partnership with Hackney council. He has been staying there for three months, and as a short-term accommodation solution, Sebastian is utilising the project as a stepping-stone before moving into his own flat. He is already making plans for moving on, to become more independent.
Sebastian started sleeping rough in January 2021, after injuring his ankle in December 2020 and being unable to work in his construction job. After losing his job, he was unable to pay his rent, and so was made homeless. During his time on the streets, he was sleeping in a car park in Stamford Hill with some other people; an outreach worker in the Hackney SORT (Street Outreach Team) came to talk to them and offer support, initially resulting in a room in a local hotel.
After this initial placement, Sebastian was then supported and moved to a hotel in Dalston, followed by a move into a hotel at Finsbury Park, where he was supported by Single Homeless Project, allowing him to then move into Thames Reach’s Peer Landlord project.
Obtaining settled status has been a huge factor in helping Sebastian out of homelessness. His status was confirmed two months ago, after a long delay due to a backlog from the pandemic. “When I was waiting for the results, I was really worried,” he says, “I have no family left in Poland, so if I was deported, I would have no one and nothing there for me. I’ve been living in the UK for eighteen years.”
Now that he has gained settled status, he is looking forward to moving on. The first thing he wants to do is get back into work, in the maintenance and construction industries, as he has plenty of experience, skills and qualifications to do so. He says he used to work on high-profile projects, and is looking forward to doing the same again, now that his injury has healed. Sebastian says again how helpful Corinna has been, both in terms of helping him with his paperwork and recovery journey, but also as a friendly face in the project. “Every time I see her around the house, we have a little chat about how I’m doing and what I’m doing,” and says that the support has helped him gain confidence for the next chapter of his life.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** Hard to Reach, health, housing, Moving On, physical health, Thames Reach
---
### [Michelle's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/03/09/michelle-story/)
**Published:** March 9, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Michelle is excited to kick-start her career in hairdressing now that she has received support after a traumatic period of homelessness.
**Content:**
Michelle is 59 years old, and has been visiting Deptford Reach and using its services since 2012. Ten years ago, she was staying with a friend at their flat, but was evicted and made homeless when the friend passed away. Losing her friend and becoming homeless at the same time was an incredibly traumatic experience for Michelle. This trauma is something she still receives support for, thanks to staff at Deptford Reach and neighbouring partner organisation the 999 Club; she says, “it has been so important to get that level of support.”
Helping her through this difficult time as she recovered from street homelessness, Deptford Reach supported Michelle to apply and enrol into college. She is currently studying hairdressing level 3, having completed level 1 and 2, and is preparing for an interview at an academy to study level 3 barbering. She is passionate about hairdressing, and it is something she is very skilled in.
“I’ve been through a lot of trauma and having Deptford Reach there has been really good; they supported me to access counselling, and they’ve supported me into wellbeing groups such as yoga and women’s group. It’s important to have access to these things when you’re going through trauma. Deptford Reach is important to have in this area, there are so many people here, a real range of ages, young and old.”
At the women’s group at Deptford, she recently did a presentation on hairdressing to help improve her confidence in a supportive environment. The space offers advice and guidance and can signpost to education courses. “If you’re worried about something, they can show you where to go to speak with a nurse, see a dentist or get food vouchers.” This was helpful when Michelle’s benefits were sanctioned, however Deptford Reach helped reinstate her benefits and register with a GP practice.
Michelle is now in a shared flat due to support from Deptford Reach; she likes the close transport links and says that it is good to have a base close to local amenities and within the community; she can get to Deptford Reach, college and her place of work easily. She says that if there is an issue with her housing, she can get in touch with the team at Deptford Reach. This was the case when she had an issue with a tenant in a previous accommodation; Deptford Reach contacted and mediated with the landlord, who agreed to move Michelle into another accommodation where she felt safe. They have been continuing to provide support with her tenancy, until she feels confident to manage by herself.
Michelle is currently waiting to hear back after a recent interview for a part-time hairdressing role, and is looking forward to a bright future in a career she enjoys.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** Hard to Reach, health, housing, Moving On, physical health, Thames Reach
---
### [An introduction to Greenwich Navigators](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/03/14/interview-greenwich-navigators/)
**Published:** March 14, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** The Greenwich Navigators team work in the Royal Borough of Greenwich to help people recover from street homelessness.
**Content:**
**Gemma, lead manager of our Greenwich Navigators team, explains how the service is working to help people with medium and high support needs recover from the trauma of street homelessness in the borough of Greenwich.**
**Can you introduce Greenwich Navigators to anyone who may not know what you do?**
Greenwich Navigators is a service commissioned by the council to support people who have had experiences sleeping rough. We work with people with a range of needs, but mostly medium-to-high, and complex, support needs, who have either been sleeping rough or are at risk of becoming street homeless. The team has different specialisms, for example we have an assessment worker who will work with the individual to see what support needs they have, and how best they can move on from sleeping rough; we also have an outreach support worker who works a lot with London Street Rescue, but the role sits in the Navigators team.
**What kinds of support needs do the people you work with have, and how are you able to support them?**
So as medium-to-high, or complex needs, this might include drug and alcohol issues, mental health, physical health or trauma. Generally, we work with people who have recourse to public funds, so it is easier to help people getting into private rented sector accommodation, however with SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) and ‘Everyone In’, we have been able to support people make applications for their settled status, both in partnership with the EUSS team at Thames Reach and our partnership work with Southwark Law Centre via their partnership with Greenwich council.
**Have you noticed any changes in the work you do recently? Are the demographics of people changing at all?**
There are definitely more people coming onto the streets for the first time, with no rough sleeping history. Usually this can mean that they have lower support needs, but what we’re finding is people are becoming street homeless who were receiving support from family or loved ones, perhaps they were shielding. With ‘Everyone In’, SWEP and Protect and Vaccinate initiatives, it means people coming onto the street for the first time are not there for a long time before being found by outreach teams and offered support.
**When you are working with people with these kind of support needs, what are the housing options?**
We have some Housing First provisions in Greenwich, and have had some supported housing with Peabody, which involves some floating support \[visiting people in their own homes, providing support to prevent homelessness\] for people in their new accommodation. We also work closely with Thames Reach’s TST (Tenancy Sustainment Team), so if they need ongoing support to sustain their accommodation as well as look after their well-being, they will have a support worker.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Greenwich, Recovery
---
### [Interview: Volunteering with Thames Reach on placement year](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/03/30/interview-placement-volunteer/)
**Published:** March 30, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** We interview Beatrice, who has just finished volunteering with Croydon Reach as part of her placement year
**Content:**
**We spoke to Beatrice, who has been volunteering with Croydon Reach as part of her degree in social work. As her placement comes to an end, we asked her about her experience and what she has learned on her journey towards becoming a trained social worker.**
**Can you tell us about the work you have done on your placement?**
I have been in the outreach team as an outreach support worker at Croydon Reach. It’s been a really valuable learning experience for me, as at the beginning I was learning how the team support clients, and by the beginning of this year I had my own case load. I have been supporting people with housing, helping access benefits and signposting to services. Most of the people I’ve worked with have successfully moved on, so I’m proud of the work I’ve done.
**Can you tell us a bit about your working background prior to coming to Thames Reach?**
I am in my second year of my social work degree and didn’t have a lot of experience before coming here. I did do some volunteering in Portugal at an organisation working with refugees, people experiencing homelessness and people in supported housing. I was teaching computer skills, but there was a much smaller client group there.
**What did you learn about homelessness during your time with us?**
There is this public perception about homelessness that is so limiting, but it’s not the case with people you meet as a support worker. The negative stereotypes are so unhelpful and don’t account for the journeys that people are on.
When I got the placement, I didn’t think so much about homelessness in relation to studying social work, but it’s made me realise that there are all sorts of people and situations involved in homelessness, and lots of different needs. In my social work experience before Thames Reach, I had worked with one group of people with one particular set of needs, but with homelessness there are so many factors to consider.
**What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering with Thames Reach?**
With all these different factors in people’s lives, it means there is a wide spectrum of opportunities, especially if you want to learn about particular things or use particular skills. The team have been so great to work with, I felt really supported and included. They were really open to being asked questions too, which is great when you’re first starting out.
**How do you think your placement experience will help you be a better social worker?**
I’ve learned so much about empowering the people we work with, and the ethics around that. It’s so important to understand what the individual wants, not just projecting what I think is best, as their support worker. I hope to be able to support people from where they are, rather than where I, or anyone else, think they should be. Understanding people and communicating with them has been such a huge learning opportunity for me; people engaging with substance teams, for example, has allowed me to see the process for myself. The journey someone is on isn’t always a straight line, and seeing people start again, if that’s what they need to do, is all part of that.
**If you, or your team, are interested in volunteering with Thames Reach, please have a look at our [Volunteer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/) page and contact VolunteerManagers@thamesreach.org.uk for more information.**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** croydon reach, Outreach, placement, volunteer, volunteering
---
### [Walking from London to Paris to help end street homelessness](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/04/26/london-to-paris-walk/)
**Published:** April 26, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Luke took on a solo fundraising mission of a staggering 302km walk from London to Paris in aid of Thames Reach
**Content:**
**Last month, Luke undertook the huge challenge of a solo sponsored walk from London to Paris. An entirely self-guided, self-initiated effort, he walked over 300km to raise money for our work helping to end street homelessness. We caught up with him after a well-earned rest to hear how it went!**
**London to Paris is an incredible feat to achieve on foot. Can you talk us through how it went day by day?**
I walked out my front door at 3:30am, and spent the next five days walking all the way to the French capital, a total of 302km. The longest day was 95km from my home in south west London to Newhaven on the south coast. That day was a real challenge, taking a total of 22 hours, and had an elevation similar to climbing Snowdon.
A few hours into day one, it really hit home that my boots were not “worn in”, and my feet were in a lot of pain. Every step was hurting, which was making the challenge much harder.
Day two was a ferry ride from Newhaven to Dieppe. The few hours on the ferry allowed me to recover after the mammoth first day. I then made an impromptu visit in passing to a sports shop in Dieppe, where I bought some new trainers to use instead of the boots that were causing a lot of pain. As a stroke of fortune, these fit perfectly and I wore them for the rest of the trip. Having seen a snippet of Dieppe, I’ve decided I definitely want to visit properly someday.
The next three days then blurred into one 3-day long period of walking through lots of farmland in glorious spring sunshine, listening to podcasts and eating baguettes and an inhuman amount of trail mix.
I finally arrived in Paris to be greeted at the finish line by my two sisters, shortly followed by some much needed hot food and a glass of wine.
**What support did you get from Thames Reach in the lead up to the event?**
Thames Reach were very supportive, providing some really positive encouragement prior to the event. They kindly provided a couple of event t-shirts that I made great use of.
**What inspired you take on a fundraising challenge for Thames Reach specifically (and such an extreme one at that!)?**
The sheer size and visibility of the problem of homelessness in London is staggering. The statistics of the number of people who don’t have a home is truly shocking, and shouldn’t exist in this country.
After a few years of occasionally volunteering for Thames Reach in outreach as part of the Rapid Response Team, I wanted to make a contribution in a different way.
With charities constantly facing tough trade-offs in use of resources, supporting with a financial contribution can make a real difference to the people who rely on the services Thames Reach provides.
**What was the highlight of the event for you?**
Although I love walking and being outdoors, arriving in Paris was far and away the highlight. My feelings were a combination of a large sense of achievement… as well as a huge dose of relief that I could finally stop walking and rest!
**If you are inspired by Luke’s incredible fundraising activity, head to our [Support Us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/) page and be part of the journey towards ending street homelessness.**
**His JustGiving page is still live if you would like to show your support. Click [here](https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/luke-snelling4) to follow his journey.**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** challenge event, event, Fundraising, volunteer, volunteering
---
### [Thames Reach comment on new rough sleeping figures](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/07/08/chain-figures-june-2022/)
**Published:** July 8, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Our reflections on the annual CHAIN statistics on rough sleeping in London
**Content:**
Every year, the Greater London Authority (GLA) release statistics on rough sleeping in order to understand the reality of street homelessness in London, as well as to assess which interventions help prevent and respond to street homelessness.
Headlines from the 2021/2022 year include:
– a 24% decrease of people seen sleeping rough from the same period last year: 8,329 from 11,018
– a 32% decrease of people seen sleeping rough for the first time
– 52% of people seen sleeping rough were from the UK, with 22% being from Central and Eastern European countries
– 50% of people sleeping rough had a mental health support need
– 31% had an alcohol support need, and 34% had a drug support need
We are encouraged to see a decrease in numbers of people sleeping rough on London’s streets and support the increased investment into ensuring that an individual’s street homelessness is resolved as quickly and as effectively as possible. We do, however, remain concerned about people with complex and multiple needs, and stress the need to include mental health and drug and alcohol support alongside any accommodation provisions. These needs being unmet often leads to people returning to the street, as we can see with the statistic that 24% of people seen sleeping rough had been seen on the streets the previous year. Similarly, when an individual sleeps rough for the first time, they become at risk of becoming entrenched and developing further issues and support needs, and prolonging their journey back into suitable accommodation and recovery.
Finally, while numbers are decreasing, the percentage of non-UK nationals among the total number of people sleeping rough has remained the same. We work with people to obtain their immigration status, as well as discussing sensible options to help them off the street that involve connections they may already have. With no recourse to public funding, ultimately options are limited, which makes it harder to provide support to this group of people, who largely come from Central and Eastern European countries.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** CHAIN, Rough sleeping
---
### [Easing the transition from temporary accommodation to long-term homes](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/08/03/temporary-accommodation-peer-landlord/)
**Published:** August 3, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** How we're helping prevent homelessness by supporting people through temporary accommodation
**Content:**
**In the news this week, we have seen that the use of temporary accommodation is at a 25-year high in England, with latest figures showing that 105,000 households are in temporary accommodation, up 10% on this time last year. According to the [report](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statutory-homelessness-in-england-january-to-march-2023/statutory-homelessness-in-england-january-to-march-2023), a further 83,000 were “initially assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness.”**
Part of our mission of ending rough sleeping in London includes ensuring people are moved into long-term, sustainable homes, that meet their needs. However, sometimes this isn’t a straightforward, single move, and our Peer Landlord scheme provides shorter-term accommodation whereby the only other alternative might be sleeping rough.
We have two projects that are catered to different groups of people who might need some support before entering the private rented sector independently. Our project in Hackney is a form of temporary accommodation that provides a grounding in support and some stability while the longer-term solution is found in a positive, productive, collaborative way. With sufficient space to develop a plan alongside support from Thames Reach, this friendly, shared environment is a direct alternative to spending time sleeping rough or in hostels, with a view to move on quickly. [Mathiu’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/mathiu-story/) exemplifies the ways in which the Hackney project can be successful in helping people regain confidence in living independently.
Meanwhile in our Lewisham project, we work with people who are in work, but are struggling with maintaining their home. This could be for various reasons, such as having rent arrears, or recent experience sleeping rough. In genuinely affordable, shared accommodation, this is a longer-term solution for people rebuilding their lives.
The need for good quality, affordable, shared accommodation is essential in preventing homelessness, and in Lewisham we work with a funder of social property, who own 75% of the building, and whose investment makes a significant social impact. This is a partnership that has worked well, and that we hope to replicate elsewhere.
Affordable housing is a huge barrier to people gaining their own independence, a predicament which is especially heightened in London, where housing stocks are increasingly precariously managed and hard to come by. This important step towards a suitable home provides the time and space to explore other needs such as mental health, employment support, and financial resilience. Paying attention to these needs will give people the best chance of finding and keeping their long-term home in the near future.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** employment, housing, Rough sleeping, supported housing
---
### [Thames Reach statement on the Home Secretary’s recent comments about rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/11/10/comments-home-secretary-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** November 10, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** At Thames Reach, we do not believe that living on the streets is a “lifestyle choice”
**Content:**
**Thames Reach statement on the Home Secretary’s recent comments about rough sleeping**
**10th November 2023**
At Thames Reach, we do not believe that living on the streets is a “lifestyle choice”. Rough sleeping is a complex problem, and while the roots and solutions of this problem are not purely related to the housing market, there are particular pressures on rented accommodation which have led to a recent increase in street homelessness, and which make it more difficult to resolve. Criminalising people for their homelessness is not a solution.
The most recent [annual statistics](https://thamesreach.org.uk/annual-chain-stats-2023/) of people rough sleeping in London revealed a 21% increase in people sleeping rough in the capital from last year, exposing the real impact of not only the cost-of-living and housing crises, but also tighter immigration and asylum restrictions post-Brexit, as well as the impact of rushed changes to the asylum system. They represent a huge 250% increase on the figure for 2010. Meanwhile, [research by Homeless Link](https://homeless.org.uk/news/new-research-reveals-homelessness-support-shrinking-as-demand-rises-amidst-cost-of-living-crisis/) has found there has been a 24% decrease in the number of supported housing beds available to help people move off the streets.
We believe that labelling sleeping rough as a “lifestyle choice” for people forced to sleep on the streets will impact the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people, while doing nothing to address the true causes of rough sleeping.
Instead we should work harder to prevent people needing to sleep rough in the first place, and to make sure that there are quick and effective routes off the streets for anyone who finds themselves in this position. We’d like to see the Government focus on measures that increase the support options available for people to find accommodation, and address the issues that lead people to be forced to sleep rough.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** asylum, government, home office, housing, Rough sleeping
---
### [Floating support service now open to Hounslow residents](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/03/01/new-floating-support-service-now-open-to-hounslow-residents/)
**Published:** March 1, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Designed to help people at risk of losing their independence, the service is now accepting general referrals.
**Content:**
Floating support involves a named keyworker building a relationship with a vulnerable resident that will help them to learn to live an independent life. Its aim is to help people avoid hospital admissions, having to rely on social care services, or end up in the criminal justice system.
Run by Thames Reach, the Hounslow Reach service is available to all Hounslow residents aged 18 and over who are vulnerable because they have additional needs, such as mental or physical health conditions or a learning disability.
London Borough of Hounslow commissioned Thames Reach to run this service after a competitive tendering process.
You can find out if the service could help you by contacting the Targeted Support Team within Community Solutions at or calling 020 8583 2211. The team will get in touch with you to understand the support you need. People can also visit Hounslow Reach to find out more about the service at Hounslow’s Community Hubs at the following times:
– Mondays 10am – 1pm: Hounslow House, Ground floor, TW3 3EB
– Tuesdays 2pm – 5pm: Feltham Assembly Hall, Hounslow Road, TW14 9DN
– Thursdays 1pm – 4pm: Feltham Library, High Street, TW13 4GU.
**Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, said:** “At Thames Reach, we are very conscious of the vital role that floating support can play in helping people fulfil their potential to live independent lives and participate fully in society. We are grateful to Hounslow for giving us the opportunity to bring our 25 years of experience in this work to the borough and we look forward to working with local communities to build a service that meets their needs.
**Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, said:** “I’m delighted to welcome Thames Reach to our family of commissioned services in Hounslow. To have such a fantastic organisation offering support to Hounslow residents fills me with confidence that first-rate support will be available to anyone who needs it.
“The team is already doing fantastic work across the borough and I look forward to working with them further on the excellent Hounslow Reach project. Their presence will make such a difference to our most vulnerable residents’ well-being.”
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Advisory panel, intervention, Prevention, Recovery, Rough sleeping, what we do
---
### [Ivo's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/09/ivos-story/)
**Published:** October 9, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Since moving into his own flat, Ivo has seen a huge improvement in his mental health, taking real steps forward on his path to recovery.
**Content:**
Since moving into his own flat, Ivo has seen a huge improvement in his mental health, taking real steps forward on his path to recovery.
He first moved into his new flat in January through Brokerage and Resettlement in Lambeth (BRiL), a collaborative project between Lambeth council and Thames Reach, which aims to provide people living in supported or residential accommodation with a flat of their own.
People who have struggled with long-term mental health problems can sometimes end up staying in residential homes or supported housing longer than they need to, often because there are no suitable alternatives. BRiL is addressing this by purchasing properties on the open market and then letting them to formerly homeless people at an affordable rate.
Ivo, originally from Brazil, has lived in the UK for 35 years, and worked at the Savoy Hotel for 20 years, eventually becoming head butler. Around 2011, he began to struggle with his mental health. He eventually became very ill and had to move into supported accommodation. He spent a number of years receiving support and treatment, which, over time, gradually lead to an improvement in his mental health; however, he reached a point where this environment began to hold him back and prevent him from making a full recovery.
‘I’ve always lived by myself before, so I started to find it difficult having so many strangers around me all the time, people checking up on me, having no independence, it felt very constricting and I felt like I wasn’t able to get better,’ Ivo says.
BRiL were able to help Ivo make those final steps in an environment better suited to him, moving him into his new flat, which is his indefinitely, and helping to furnish it. A support worker also initially helped Ivo with his meals, setting up an internet connection, and organising bills.
‘I really like it here, I like the flat, the location is perfect for me, I can walk everywhere I need to go, I’ve lived in Streatham for years before so know the area. Every day, I exercise by walking to Brixton and back, which is really helping me.’
Ivo is also currently volunteering two days a week at a local charity shop, and has enrolled on a volunteer peer mentorship course in order to help others who are in a similar situation to where he used to be. He also spends a lot of time reading, particularly biographies.
‘I’m feeling really well now, 50% better. Living with strangers was difficult on top of feeling unwell at the time. I need space and quiet in order to feel mentally well and this flat has really helped me with that so much.’
**Categories:** Real-life stories
---
### [Reflections on Waterloo Project, Thames Reach's first hostel](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/08/15/waterloo-project-closure/)
**Published:** August 15, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** At the end of August, the Waterloo Project will close after over 35 years as a Thames Reach hostel. Lead worker Lorraine reflects on its successes and lessons.
**Content:**
At the end of August, the Waterloo Project will close after over 35 years as a Thames Reach hostel. The project was an innovation in provisions for people sleeping rough when it opened in the 1980s, and Thames Reach have been able to learn a great deal about the kind of support that needs to be given to make an individual’s move away from homelessness sustainable. Having worked at the project for several years, its lead worker, Lorraine, discusses its legacy.
“My name is Lorraine, I have been working at The Waterloo Project for several years as a relief worker and since January 2021 as a lead worker. I started at Thames Reach as a volunteer in 2013 and have since worked at multiple services within Thames Reach.
### Psychologically-informed environment
“The Waterloo Project is a psychologically-informed environment (PIE) hostel, it has been running for over 35 years in the same building, and was the first hostel to trial and implement the PIE approach. It has been very successful as a psychologically-informed environment and as a hostel. In short PIE means we work with our residents in a holistic way, including having reflective practice for staff, to understand our residents’ background and journey to better enable us to support them. The communal spaces are open and inviting for people to feel comfortable to engage with staff and psychologists, who work in the building, in various activities and to talk in.
“We work with people who have been rough sleeping in, and have a connection to, Lambeth who have complex support needs. We support them to access services for substance misuse, mental and physical health, financial support, sexual health and to motivate and encourage them to do more meaningful things with their time, to sustain positive changes they are making such as activities in the community like gardening, music, volunteering or courses. We also often have to engage residents with specialist services such as; social services, eating disorder services, domestic violence and specialist women’s services.
“We are working with residents to move on to accommodation with less support or independent living accommodation. We have referred people into supported accommodation, council housing, housing first, shared housing in the mental health pathway – with more appropriate support and into clearing house.
### Teamwork
“One aspect that makes the Waterloo Project special in my opinion is the team. This shows through the engagement of the residents and the positive things they say, often being that TWP has been the first place they have felt safe and supported, and could see their lives changing because they have moved here. The project has been a place of hope and connection, full of stories and characters.
“The building itself is unique, with a beautiful garden, light welcoming kitchen, and upstairs lounge. So many visitors to the project would comment on how special the place felt and how focused and supportive the team were.”
**Lorraine and the rest of the team share their best memories of the project:**
“Food! One year we celebrated a resident’s 60th birthday by having a BBQ for everyone. Even though the cooking and prepping for it was stressful it was worth it, there was a good turn out and residents enjoyed the food and socialised well with everyone. The birthday resident was really happy we did this for him and still talks about it to this day.”
“One year having a Christmas tree donated to the project and residents getting involved with decorating it, listening to Christmas songs, singing, and chatting about Christmas and the New Year, with positive thoughts.”
“Baking cakes with residents, and other residents coming down and chatting and all getting along and laughing because one of the batches went terribly wrong!”
“Food and playing Jenga, so many hours of Jenga!”
“Reflective practice sessions where we’ve thought differently as a team about a resident that was really challenging, then as a team learning to see things differently.”
“Cooking the meals and facing personal challenges in cooking a Saturday fry up and Sunday roast dinner for 19 people and receiving comments from residents about how good it was and that they enjoyed the meals.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** hostel, Hostels, Lambeth, Moving On
---
### [A new government strategy for rough sleeping: can we end street homelessness for good?](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/09/03/rough-sleeping-strategy-announcement/)
**Published:** September 3, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have released their new strategy for rough sleeping
**Content:**
Thames Reach welcomes the publication by the DLUHC (Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) today of the new Rough Sleeping Strategy: Ending Rough Sleeping for Good.
The strategy reiterates and expands upon the government’s commitment to ending rough sleeping, and when it cannot, ensuring that it is rare, brief, and non-recurrent. The adoption of this commitment, developed with the Centre for Homelessness Impact (CHI), and charities and local authorities through the Rough Sleeping Advisory panel, moves the objective of ending rough sleeping from a lofty ambition to a practical and measurable goal.
This is accompanied by the commitment of funding over the next three years, building on the settlement following last autumn’s spending review. It will provide the stability necessary for organisations like Thames Reach to develop new and existing services to meet the many challenges set out in the strategy.
We particularly welcome the investment in the different stages of our work: prevention, involving identifying and supporting people before they end up on the streets; response, working quickly to find people who are sleeping rough and get them to a safe place; and recovery, using accommodation and support models that enable people to move away from street homelessness. Working across prevention, response and recovery is central to Thames Reach’s vision of ending street homelessness, and are practices we know to be effective.
Alongside this, there is a focus on bringing government and services together to make sure that everyone is focused on ending homelessness. We need to make sure that prison is not a route onto the street, that health services work to ensure a health crisis does not lead to homelessness, and crucially that the transition away from local authority care is not the first step in a chain of events that lead to rough sleeping.
Half the people on London’s streets are non-UK nationals and we welcome plans to make it much easier to establish people’s status and also to review the approach to accommodating people seeking asylum which can lead to people sleeping rough, particularly in London.
There is much work to be done, but it is crucial that the new administration builds on the lead provided by this strategy and the successful work of the last three years.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** award, lewisham, london homelessness awards, Prevention, Recovery
---
### [Pioneering outreach: The legacy of London Street Rescue](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/09/14/lsr-legacy/)
**Published:** September 14, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Area Manager, Michael Murray, looks at the legacy of London Street Rescue and future provisions for street outreach in London
**Content:**
As a pioneering model of street outreach, the London Street Rescue (LSR) service will finish at the end of September, as the service has highlighted the demand for localised services to support people who are sleeping rough. Michael Murray, Area Manager, talks us through how the service worked, and discusses its legacy.
**How London Street Rescue works**
“London Street Rescue was commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to provide a pan-London outreach response, mainly to outer London boroughs, where there may be less resources available for people sleeping rough. Many of the areas we worked in didn’t have things like emergency accommodation, hostels, day centres and other key services, so staff had to be creative and often work independently, across multiple boroughs. Each of the five boroughs we now work in has one dedicated lead worker to ensure we can be more structured and efficient in our approach.
“We provide initial support by assessing someone for any local connection and needs, before doing everything needed to successfully end their rough sleeping, including: referring to suitable accommodation, obtaining ID documents to help them move on, supporting with welfare benefits, accessing health services and signposting for immigration support. As we are a response service to rough sleeping, we close a case once they have successfully moved off the street, and we ensure they have secured ongoing support elsewhere.”
**How LSR have shaped the vision of ending rough sleeping**
“Since the Rapid Response Outreach Team was commissioned, as part of a funding drive by central government to end rough sleeping by 2025, LSR have solely focused on working with those living on the street. Many of the boroughs we used to work in were successful in receiving bids to fund their own outreach response, many of them now delivered by Thames Reach outreach teams. ”
**The future of outreach after LSR**
“LSR has had a reputation as one of the leading outreach teams in London for many years and the service has seen many changes. I think the support available for rough sleeping in London has never been better and this is why we’re in a position where London no longer requires a service like LSR. There is still a lot of work to be done and the environment is ever-changing, which could bring new challenges. Most boroughs now have the resources to provide their own dedicated response. The four boroughs we support in South-East London decided to make a joint bid for an outreach team and were successful. The GLA are keen for there to be no gap in service provision after LSR formally ends, so it has been agreed that Thames Reach will deliver the new south-east outreach team, due to start on 1 October.
**Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, also reflects on its legacy:**
“The key legacy of LSR is that it delivered outreach across London to boroughs that didn’t have their own outreach teams, and by doing so identified the demand that led to boroughs commissioning their own services and understanding the responsibility for rough sleeping, and providing solutions on a local level. Supported by central government funding, this has been a key part of the improvement in the response to people sleeping rough over the last three years.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** London, london street rescue, Outreach, response, Rough sleeping, street homelessness
---
### [CHAIN Annual Bulletin 2023/2024](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/07/11/chain-annual-bulletin-2023-2024/)
**Published:** July 11, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** A comprehensive overview of rough sleeping in London
**Content:**
The CHAIN Annual Bulletin for 2023/2024 has been released, offering a detailed look at the rough sleeping numbers and trends in London between April 2023 and March 2024. This bulletin uses data from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN), a multi-agency database that records information on rough sleepers and the wider street population in London.
### **Main Findings**
In 2023/24, outreach workers in London saw 11,993 people sleeping rough, a 19% increase from the previous year. This number is also 58% higher than ten years ago. Notably, 2023/24 was the first year with over 2,000 people recorded rough sleeping in a single month, with both September and November exceeding this number. During the year, outreach teams and support services helped 4,379 people access accommodation, showing ongoing efforts to provide immediate support.
A significant portion of those seen rough sleeping were new to the streets, with 66% sleeping rough for the first time. Additionally, 20% were repeat cases from the previous year, and 14% had returned to rough sleeping after a year or more away, emphasising a troubling trend of people spending longer periods without stable accommodation.
For the first time, the proportion of rough sleepers from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australasia (30%) exceeded those from Europe (25%), highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those rough sleeping in London.
Thames Reach’s teams are dedicated to addressing the root causes of rough sleeping and providing essential support to individuals not only on the streets but also throughout their recovery journey to independent and stable living.
For those interested in exploring the full report, it can be accessed here: [CHAIN Greater London 2023/24 Annual Report](https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/chain-reports).
**Categories:** News
---
### [Thames Reach welcomes new government](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/07/05/thames-reach-welcomes-new-government/)
**Published:** July 5, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We look forward to working closely with the new government towards a world where no one need sleep rough.
**Content:**
We at Thames Reach extend our congratulations to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the new government.
The Labour Party’s manifesto commitment to developing a new cross-governmental strategy to address homelessness is a welcome and promising step. With a focused and unified approach, we believe ending rough sleeping is an achievable goal, and as a leading charity working to end rough sleeping in London, we are eager to collaborate on this critical mission.
Our priorities include:
**– Prevention:** Ensuring wide availability of tenancy support and establishing a well-resourced institutional duty to prevent street homelessness across housing providers, health services, criminal justice, and immigration sectors.
**– Accommodation:** Addressing the current reliance on hotels as long-term accommodation. We advocate for the creation of effective and accessible assessment centres, improved hostels, and increased access to good quality, affordable housing, including extending the ‘Clearing House’ initiative.
**– Support:** Providing comprehensive support through organisations like Thames Reach to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing, access preventive healthcare, and gain sustainable employment.
**– Employment:** Investing in employment support as a key element of recovery from homelessness, helping individuals achieve long-term stability and independence.
We look forward to working closely with the new government towards a world where no one need sleep rough.
**Categories:** News
---
### [Death of Jeremy Swain, former Thames Reach Chief Executive](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/05/29/death-of-jeremy-swain-former-chief-executive-of-thames-reach/)
**Published:** May 29, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Jeremy Swain's dedication over 30 years helped shape Thames Reach into what it is now.
**Content:**
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jeremy Swain, the former Chief Executive of Thames Reach and most recently the Chair of the Thames Reach Housing Board. Jeremy died on Monday, 27 May 2024, following a short illness.
Jeremy’s work with Thames Reach began in 1984. He served as Chief Executive for the last 19 of his many years with the organisation, until stepping down in 2018. His leadership and tireless efforts have been instrumental in shaping Thames Reach into the organisation it is today.
Jeremy will be missed not only by Thames Reach but by everyone who had the privilege of working with him, both during his time here and subsequently.
**Categories:** News
---
### [Recommendations for the new government](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/05/28/ending-rough-sleeping-recommendations-new-government/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Three areas the new government must prioritise if they are serious about ending rough sleeping.
**Content:**
We at Thames Reach want to set out what a new government needs to do if they are serious about ending rough sleeping.
We think that there are three key elements to any plan:
### **Prevention**
We want to ensure that rough sleeping isn’t the only way some people can get help with housing. This means we need to be prepared to intervene early, providing support to people at risk of rough sleeping before they reach crisis point. This includes offering tenancy support to help individuals resolve problems and avoid the devastating impact of rough sleeping.
It also means people should receive accessible help from local authority prevention services. Too often, these services are under-resourced and have little to offer in preventing or resolving impending homelessness. We want the option of face-to-face help, delivered in convenient locations, and better access to real assistance, including tenancy support and alternative accommodation where necessary.
Lastly, we want the support available to those new to the streets—access to advice, support, and signposting to services—to be extended to those at immediate risk of sleeping rough. This ensures people can get help without resorting to rough sleeping.
### **Accommodation**
Ending rough sleeping requires a diverse range of accommodation options:
**– Emergency assessment centres and high-support hostels:** These should be available 24/7, providing immediate relief from the streets, quick assessments, and plans to support individuals in moving away from rough sleeping.
**– Supported accommodation**: We need access to high-quality, well-staffed facilities that help individuals transition out of homelessness.
**– Affordable, secure housing:** Good quality, affordable housing is crucial for individuals to rebuild their lives and support networks away from homelessness. This should include ‘housing first’ options for those who need them.
### **Support**
Support services from organisations like Thames Reach are vital for helping individuals transition from the streets to independence. Many affected by street homelessness lack the support networks that others take for granted, such as assistance with health services, employment, benefits, and managing finances. This means that problems can escalate into crises, and in turn to homelessness. Tailored support with suitable accommodation is essential if we are to make street homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
**Categories:** News
---
### [Our response to the Mayoral Election result](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/05/07/response-sadiq-khans-re-election-as-mayor-of-london/)
**Published:** May 7, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We welcome Mayor Khan's re-election and look forward to continuing our work with him and the GLA to end homelessness in London by 2030
**Content:**
We congratulate Mayor Sadiq Khan on his re-election, and as a leading agency working with people affected by rough sleeping in London, we’re eager to continue working with him in his commitment to end street homelessness in the Capital by 2030.
This is not the first time we have heard promises of this type, but Thames Reach is determined to work with the Mayor and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to ensure that this time it becomes a reality.
The rough sleeping services currently commissioned by the GLA, as well as boroughs across London, have a significant role to play. However, achieving this goal will require more affordable housing coupled with effective support to prevent and help people recover from the trauma of rough sleeping.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** CHAIN, homelessness, London, Rough sleeping
---
### [Latest CHAIN Quarterly Report reveals persistent high numbers of rough sleeping in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/05/02/latest-chain-quarterly-report-reveals-persistent-high-numbers-of-rough-sleeping-in-london/)
**Published:** May 2, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Persistent rise in individuals deemed to be 'living on the streets' underscores the severity of rough sleeping crisis.
**Content:**
The latest findings from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) Quarterly Report for Q4, covering January to March 2024, reveal a **concerning trend in rough sleeping numbers in London.**
Compiled from data collected by outreach teams across the capital, the report reveals that a total of 4,118 individuals were recorded sleeping rough during this period. While this is a reduction against the previous quarter’s total of 4389, this marks a significant 33% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Moreover, the number of new rough sleepers recorded during this period was 37% higher than in the previous year.
It is particularly troubling that the number of people deemed to be ‘living on the streets’\* has increased by a third, emphasising a troubling trend of people spending longer periods without stable accommodation.
Chantelle Gardner, Project Manager at Thames Reach’s Lambeth Rough Sleeper Outreach Team, expressed concern over the surge. “During the last two quarters, our Living on the Streets (LOS) worker reported a definitive increase in workload and complexity of the individuals they were working with. Substance misuse and systemic barriers to support services have all contributed to this increase”, she stated.
During January to March 2024, there were 511 people recorded as living on the streets, with 68 of them new to rough sleeping in London and remaining on the streets during the period. This compares to 376 people during the same quarter the previous year.
The report also notes a declining proportion of European nationals sleeping rough over the last two quarters compared to the previous ones. This has been accompanied by a surge in people from other nationalities, emphasising the need for a multifaceted approach to tackling homelessness in London.
Thames Reach’s outreach teams are dedicated to addressing the root causes of rough sleeping and providing essential support to individuals living on the streets. Together, we are actively working to define and implement effective measures to address this concerning trend.
For those interested in exploring the full report, it can be accessed here:
- Living on the Streets is defined as: *Those who have had a high number of contacts over 3 weeks or more which suggests they are living on the street*
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** CHAIN, homelessness, London, Rough sleeping
---
### [Southwark Council sign London Charter to End Rough Sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/03/19/southwark-sign-london-charter-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** March 19, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Southwark Council reaffirmed its commitment to ending rough sleeping, as a senior council figure signed the Charter to End Rough Sleeping.
**Content:**
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes, met with Thames Reach Chief Executive Bill Tidnam as she signed the [London Charter to End Rough Sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/london-charter-end-rough-sleeping/) on behalf of Southwark Council. Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, was also in attendance.
The Charter, which Thames Reach wholeheartedly supports, aims to unite individuals, businesses, faith groups, charities, and public bodies in the shared mission to eliminate rough sleeping in our city. It represents a public commitment, a pledge to strengthen partnerships, and an opportunity for diverse communities to actively contribute to a solution.
### Quotes from those attending
**Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said:**
“I’m proud to be here today with Thames Reach to make this incredibly important pledge to end homelessness and rough sleeping in our borough. Rough sleeping is a dangerous, isolating experience and should have no place in a modern, wealthy city. We’re determined to end it in our borough and to work together with our network of partners to support those who are homeless or vulnerable into a safe, secure home.”
**Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said:**
“Local authorities like Southwark are in the forefront of the effort to prevent homelessness, and to make sure that no-one need sleep on the streets. We recognise that this isn’t always easy in the current environment and we welcome Cllr Dennis’ signing of the Charter and the clear commitment this makes on behalf of the borough to work towards ending rough sleeping.”
### The charter
By signing the Charter, individuals, businesses, and organisations make a real impact. It keeps the issue in the spotlight, showing policymakers that many care about ending rough sleeping in London.
Whether you’ve been a committed advocate or are new to the cause, your support goes a long way. Visit the [Charter website](https://endroughsleepinglondon.org.uk/) to sign up, make a pledge, donate, or volunteer. Every small action adds up to the collective effort to end rough sleeping in London.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Charter, Ending rough sleeping, Greenwich, homelessness, London, Rough sleeping
---
### [New rough sleeping assessment centre opens in Square Mile](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/03/19/new-rough-sleeping-assessment-centre-opens-square-mile/)
**Published:** March 19, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The Square Mile-based residential service opened on March 13 and offers 14 short-stay beds to support individuals rough sleeping in the area.
**Content:**
In collaboration with the [City of London Corporation](https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/new-rough-sleeping-assessment-centre-opens-in-square-mile/), we are pleased to announce the opening of a state-of-the-art Rough Sleeping Assessment Centre in the heart of the Square Mile. This residential service, operated by Thames Reach, marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to end rough sleeping in the City of London.
Funded by the City of London Corporation, the centre provides 14 short-stay beds to rough sleepers, offering a safe and supportive environment for individuals with complex needs. Our dedicated team will deliver round-the-clock support, 365 days a year, working closely with health and social care providers to establish pathways away from rough sleeping and into permanent accommodation.
Situated within the grounds of the Church of Holy Sepulchre on Snow Hill Court, the assessment centre occupies a former school building that has been meticulously refurbished with the specific needs of the individuals we support in mind.
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, stating, “The opening of this assessment centre represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide tangible support to those experiencing homelessness in the City. By collaborating closely with the City of London Corporation, we can offer individuals sleeping rough a credible local solution, accelerating the process of assessment and intervention.”
In addition to the new assessment centre, Thames Reach works tirelessly alongside the City Corporation to address homelessness and rough sleeping in the Square Mile. Through commissioned [outreach services](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/response/outreach-services/city-outreach/), we strive to identify and support individuals who are rough sleeping, ensuring that they don’t have to stay more than one night on the streets.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Advisory panel, intervention, Prevention, Recovery, Rough sleeping, what we do
---
### [Royal Greenwich sign London Charter to End Rough Sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/02/15/royal-greenwich-sign-london-charter-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** February 15, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The Royal Borough of Greenwich reaffirmed its commitment to ending rough sleeping this week, as senior council figures signed the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping.
**Content:**
**The Royal Borough of Greenwich reaffirmed its commitment to ending rough sleeping this week, as senior council figures signed the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping.**
Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Okereke, and Cllr Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, met with Thames Reach Chief Executive Bill Tidnam as they signed the [London Charter to End Rough Sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/london-charter-end-rough-sleeping/) on behalf of the Royal Borough of Greenwich at Woolwich Town Hall.
The Charter, which Thames Reach wholeheartedly supports, aims to unite individuals, businesses, faith groups, charities, and public bodies in the shared mission to eliminate rough sleeping in our city. It represents a public commitment, a pledge to strengthen partnerships, and an opportunity for diverse communities to actively contribute to a solution.
### Quotes from those attending
**Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said:** “Rough sleeping is the most extreme manifestation of the housing crisis in London. The Royal Borough of Greenwich has a clear commitment to working to end rough sleeping in the borough, with a range of services aimed at prevention, intervention and recovery. It’s great to see real leadership on this issue from the Leader, Anthony Okereke, and Councillor Pat Slattery, as they join the Mayor in signing the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping.
**Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, said:** “I am incredibly proud to be able to sign the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping with our Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, on behalf of Royal Greenwich. It is vitally important that we come together with partners and as a community to develop and deliver solutions to end rough sleeping for good and ensure that everyone has a roof over their heads.”
**Cllr Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said:** “Many people who sleep rough can face fear, loneliness and hunger and we are determined to do everything we can to end it here in Greenwich, which is why the Leader and I are delighted to have signed the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping.
“As a Council we are already at the forefront in London of providing emergency support to rough sleepers during severe cold weather spells and our Housing Inclusion Service works tirelessly to offer much-needed longer-term support – including permanent placements – to help many of them rebuild their lives and stay off the streets permanently”.
### The charter
By signing the Charter, individuals, businesses, and organisations make a real impact. It keeps the issue in the spotlight, showing policymakers that many care about ending rough sleeping in London.
Whether you’ve been a committed advocate or are new to the cause, your support goes a long way. Visit the [Charter website](https://endroughsleepinglondon.org.uk/) to sign up, make a pledge, donate, or volunteer. Every small action adds up to the collective effort to end rough sleeping in London.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Charter, Ending rough sleeping, Greenwich, homelessness, London, Rough sleeping
---
### [Thames Reach's Response to the Latest CHAIN Quarterly Report](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/02/06/response-to-the-latest-chain-quarterly-report/)
**Published:** February 6, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The latest quarterly report from the CHAIN database has been released, painting a concerning picture of the surge in rough sleeping across London.
**Content:**
Released on 31 January, the CHAIN Quarterly Report for rough sleeping in London (October-December 2023) exposes a concerning reality: outreach teams recorded 4389 individuals sleeping rough during this period, rising 8% from the previous quarter and marking a significant 23% increase from the same timeframe in 2022.
Other key statistics are as follows:
**– 2,283 people were recorded as sleeping rough for the first time.** This is the second highest quarterly figure ever reported and represents a huge annual increase of 34% and a 9% increase on the previous quarter.
**– The number of people classed as ‘living on the streets’ was at its highest ever quarterly level,** at 560, having grown by 24% compared to the same period last year.
**– The percentage of people from outside the UK found rough sleeping in this period was higher than in the previous quarter.**
These findings reinforce the growing need for outreach teams that are well-equipped to engage with both new rough sleepers and those already living on the streets.
Furthermore, outreach teams need access to accommodation that can effectively support individuals with diverse needs, particularly those from outside the UK. The City and Lambeth Assessment Centres, operated by Thames Reach, play a crucial role in this regard, serving as initial points of support for those transitioning off the streets.
Focusing on prevention is also pivotal to understanding why people are spending at least one night on the streets and how this can be avoided. [Hounslow Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/hounslow-reach/), a new prevention service delivered by Thames Reach in the London Borough of Hounslow, exemplifies important prevention measures such as providing advice and support to individuals at risk of losing their homes.
At Thames Reach, we are committed to continue working with local authorities, the GLA, and fellow charities to implement effective solutions and prevent further escalation of this crisis.
Our Director of Services, Kristian Draper, notes *“The increasing number of people rough sleeping is a cause for concern. We’re also noticing shifts in the patterns of rough sleeping, making it crucial for us, as a sector, to ensure that our resources are directed to where they are most needed. This involves providing effective services for those on the streets and collaborating to offer quick alternatives to help them move away from rough sleeping.*
*“At the same time, we must use this and other data to come up with innovative solutions and allocate resources to prevent people from needing to sleep rough and support them in quickly and permanently leaving homelessness behind.”*
Read this and other CHAIN reports [here](https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/chain-reports).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Advisory panel, intervention, Prevention, Recovery, Rough sleeping, what we do
---
### [From Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive: Why the London Charter Matters to Us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/01/25/why-the-london-charter-matters/)
**Published:** January 25, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The Charter is a way to get people together around a common goal – to end rough sleeping in London.
**Content:**
At Thames Reach, we believe that no one should need to sleep on the streets, and of course, we support the [London Charter to End Rough Sleeping](https://www.endroughsleepinglondon.org.uk/). It’s worth explaining why we think that this is important, and not just a another way for charities that work with people affected by homelessness (including Thames Reach) to speak out around Christmas as the window of public sympathy opens – albeit briefly.
For us, there are three things that are different about the Charter:
**1. It asks us to recognise that people who sleep rough are people who can’t be defined by their housing situation.**
They all have their own stories, and their homelessness is a part of their story that they and we hope will be in their past. I’m uncomfortable when people talk about the homeless or rough sleeping ‘community’ as if street homelessness is some sort of quasi village, that is united by a similar backstory, and who we expect to stay on the streets as a way of life. Equally (depending on your point of view) the idea that homeless people are solely either victims or perpetrators of crime is clearly untrue and serves to exclude them from mainstream society and possibly the protection of the law that the rest of us expect.
**2. The Charter recognises that members of the public aren’t helpless.**
At one level they can donate to and volunteer with charities that work to help people away from the streets; they can use Street Link to make sure people sleeping rough get help; and they can recognise that we don’t have to have street homelessness, which leads to my final point.
**3. At Thames Reach, we aren’t arrogant enough to think that we can end street homelessness on our own.**
This a systemic problem that we believe is bigger than any charity. While we can join up services and play a significant part- this is a complex issue that needs the mechanism of government at local and national level to work together. This charter and your support for it makes the difference between government seeing homelessness as a problem that is tolerable, and one that they are under pressure to resolve.
[Please sign the Charter](https://www.endroughsleepinglondon.org.uk/) and show that you think that we shouldn’t accept that people needing to sleep on the streets is just the way things are, and show that you believe we can and should do what we need to do to end street homelessness.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Employment and Skills, learning, literacy
---
### [Assessment Reports from the Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/01/23/assessment-reports-rough-sleeping-advisory-panel/)
**Published:** January 23, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel is a collaboration of leading experts from local government and homelessness charities
**Content:**
We’re pleased to share the assessment reports produced by the Rough Sleeping Advisory Panel—a collaboration of leading experts from local government and homelessness charities, working together to scrutinise, support, and challenge progress on the Government’s Ending Rough Sleeping for Good Strategy.
Thames Reach led the recovery and intervention sub-group alongside Housing Justice, contributing insights on achievements and areas that still require attention. Read the full report at
The other sub-groups focused on prevention and transparent, joined-up systems. For a comprehensive view of progress and ongoing efforts in each of these areas, visit the links below:
- Prevention:
- Transparent, joined-up systems:
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Advisory panel, intervention, Prevention, Recovery, Rough sleeping, what we do
---
### [Read the Thames Reach Annual Review 2022-23](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/01/03/read-the-annual-review-2022-23/)
**Published:** January 3, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** We're delighted to publish a review of the work we've been doing over 2022-23
**Content:**
The Thames Reach Annual Review 2022-23 is now available to read. The document details how we’ve been helping people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in London, between April 2022 and March 2023. The review looks at the positive impact our work has had on the lives of people using our services, as well as providing information on approaches we’ve developed to better support vulnerable people.
This year’s review, with introductions by Chair of the Board Stephen Howard and Chief Executive Bill Tidnam, features case studies and interviews with staff members, volunteers, and with the people using our services.
For all this and more, take a look at the [Thames Reach Annual Review 2022-23](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Annual-Review-22-23-Final.pdf).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Annual review, intervention, Prevention, publications, Recovery, what we do
---
### [Launching the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/12/07/london-charter-end-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** December 7, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Join us in signing the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping, taking a step towards a London where no one sleeps on the streets.
**Content:**
In a collaborative effort led by Bloomberg and supported by the Mayor of London, [the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping](https://endroughsleepinglondon.org.uk/) has been officially launched today—7th December 2023.
To mark the launch, our Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, participated in an event at St John’s Church in Waterloo, to sign the charter alongside the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and representatives from more than 40 organisations.
The Charter aims to unite individuals, businesses, faith groups, charities, and public bodies in the shared mission to eliminate rough sleeping in our city. It represents a public commitment, a pledge to strengthen partnerships, and an opportunity for diverse communities to actively contribute to a solution.
Thames Reach wholeheartedly supports the Charter and had the privilege of being involved in its planning process.
Bill emphasises, “*We shouldn’t be prepared to accept that people needing to sleep rough on the streets of London is inevitable. At Thames Reach, we work day and night to help people off the streets and to prevent them from becoming homeless. We can’t do this alone; we need the support of the people and businesses that live and work in London. Please show that you believe that things can be different and sign up for the Charter to End Rough Sleeping in London.*”
By signing the Charter, individuals, businesses, and organisations make a real impact. It keeps the issue in the spotlight, showing policymakers that many care about ending rough sleeping in London.
Whether you’ve been a committed advocate or are new to the cause, your support goes a long way. Visit the [Charter website](https://endroughsleepinglondon.org.uk/) to sign up, make a pledge, donate, or volunteer. Every small action adds up to the collective effort to end rough sleeping in London.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Employment and Skills, learning, literacy
---
### [Thames Reach Endorses Literacy100's Charter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/12/06/literacy-100-charter/)
**Published:** December 6, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** The Charter outlines a range of expectations to support individuals with experience of homelessness in developing essential literacy skills
**Content:**
Literacy, including digital literacy, is now more critical than ever in enabling people to lead fulfilling lives, as even basic tasks like accessing benefits or communicating with healthcare professionals require a certain level of literacy skills. We know through our own programmes that people coming to us for help with apparently more ‘urgent’ needs such as paying rent or preventing eviction, often struggle with an underlying lack of essential skills including literacy.
Despite the critical importance of literacy, the need for support isn’t always adequately met within traditional educational settings, particularly in colleges that may not be structured to address the unique challenges of individuals with difficulties or traumas related to learning.
Literacy100 is a vital organisation addressing the pressing issue that an estimated half of those with experience of homelessness struggle with literacy skills.
Recognising literacy as a fundamental human right, Thames Reach fully supports Literacy100’s recently published [Charter for Adults with Experience of Homelessness](https://www.literacy100.org/charter). The Charter outlines essential expectations to empower individuals with experience of homelessness through literacy, including:
**– Community Support**: Access to local options for developing reading and writing skills and enriching experiences through shared reading activities.
**– Organisational Commitment:** Homelessness and housing organisations must recognise and address literacy needs as a core part of their work, providing access to technology for literacy enhancement.
**– Education Support:** Learning providers should allocate skilled teachers, flexible provisions, and sustained support for learners with literacy challenges, including specific learning difficulties.
**– Policy Advocacy:** National and local policy-makers should prioritise addressing literacy needs and allocate resources accordingly.
*“Not being able to read and write is both a cause and a symptom of homelessness. It is a barrier to recovery and being able to move on with your life after homelessness.*
*Our dedicated Employment and Skills team works to help the people who use our services to build these essential skills, but our resources are limited, and this isn’t something we can do on our own. We need access to dedicated local resources as well as funding to continue to provide the support we do.*
*We support the Literacy 100 Charter and call on others to do the same, and to support the people we work with to get the help they need to take control of their lives and participate in society.”*
### – Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach
Join us in championing literacy as a transformative force for individuals with experience of homelessness. Learn more about Literacy100’s Charter and their impactful work by visiting [their website.](https://www.literacy100.org/charter)
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Employment and Skills, learning, literacy
---
### [Severe Weather Emergency Protocol Update](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/12/01/severe-weather-emergency-protocol-december-2023/)
**Published:** December 1, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for the first time this winter
**Content:**
This week, 27 November – 1 December, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for the first time this winter, instructing councils across the capital to provide extra shelter for people sleeping rough. This decision comes as temperatures dropped below zero degrees, posing increased risks to those sleeping rough on the streets.
In response, our outreach teams have been actively working to ensure that everyone has a place to stay away from the freezing temperatures.
“We encourage members of the public to make referrals of anyone they see sleeping rough to [Streetlink](https://thestreetlink.org.uk/), who contact our outreach teams directly and quickly. During SWEP we put out additional outreach shifts, so that anticipated increased demand can be met.”
**– Thames Reach Director of Services**
As we navigate through the winter, we will continue to find the fastest routes away from the streets for the people we support, prioritising safety during extreme weather conditions.
It is important to recognise that, while SWEP provides a vital immediate response to help those sleeping rough, it does not address the root causes of rough sleeping. A more comprehensive approach is required, involving tailored support and assistance to address the complex issues individuals sleeping on the street face.
**Learn more about the projects and services run by Thames Reach helping to end rough sleeping in London: **
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** cold weather, emergency, homelessness, Rough sleeping, severe weather, sleeping rough, SWEP
---
### [Home Office acceleration of asylum claims leading to a fivefold increase in rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/10/16/home-office-asylum-claims-rough-sleeping/)
**Published:** October 16, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach is concerned that the recent Home Office acceleration of asylum claims is leading to an increase in the number of people rough sleeping in London
**Content:**
Thames Reach is concerned that the recent Home Office acceleration of asylum claims is leading to an increase in the number of people rough sleeping in London – in direct contradiction to the Government’s commitment to end rough sleeping for good.
The Home Office has sped up the processing of asylum claims recently in an effort to reduce the backlog of applications. But due to short notice periods, and a lack of quick support available to access the help they are entitled to, we are worried that many of those granted leave to remain will be unable to find accommodation in the short amount of time provided and end up having to sleep on the streets.
Newly recognised refugees and asylum seekers receive a ‘notice to quit’ from Home Office accommodation once their claim is approved – previously they had 28 days to find alternative accommodation, but by the time they receive the notice the actual time available can be as little as 7 days. For people who are not eligible for emergency council accommodation, the current rental market makes it impossible to find somewhere to live in this short amount of time.
This year, our outreach teams are seeing far higher numbers of former asylum seekers sleeping rough following a positive Home Office decision compared with 2022 – with a **fivefold increase** recorded as of October 2023. We are concerned that these numbers will increase even further.
Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive, says: ‘We are really concerned that we are seeing increased numbers of former asylum seekers sleeping rough, and that this is likely to increase further without action from government. We need extended notice periods and better support for people being evicted from Home Office accommodation, so that there is a chance for them to find housing before they end up on the streets.’
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** asylum, government, home office, housing, Rough sleeping
---
### [Helping people gain confidence and enter employment](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/08/03/volunteer-perfecta-interview/)
**Published:** August 3, 2023
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Perfecta, our Newcomer to Volunteering award winner, talks about her experience helping people apply for jobs
**Content:**
**We recently celebrated the incredible work of our 244 volunteers with a summer party at our Employment Academy offices. As part of the event, several volunteers were awarded with prizes after being nominated by employees at Thames Reach for their extra efforts. We spoke with Perfecta, who won the Newcomer to Volunteering Award. By supporting people in their job applications and interview technique, she is contributing to the essential work being done to prevent homelessness.**
“I’ve been helping people with the preparation and advice they need before applying for and starting work. I meet with them to talk through employment options, and discuss what they want to do, and see if they need any help in getting there. The support they need can look so many different ways, and we do mock interviews and have more informal conversations to boost confidence.
“My favourite part of volunteering is knowing that I’ve helped someone. I have a varied background, having studied law but ending up in the fashion industry, but I’m still interested in social work, and giving something back is really important to me. I used to volunteer with my Dad when I was younger, and before coming to Thames Reach, I wanted to get back into it.
“I really enjoy meeting different people, and being able to help in small ways, even if it’s just helping someone fill in an application form.
“Volunteering has helped me understand different people’s struggles and challenges. You hear a lot about homelessness, and unemployment, but it’s good to see what happens behind the scenes. There is so much positive work happening to make people who have been struggling feel more confident, whether that is with housing or jobs, and it’s great to be a part of that.
“To anyone thinking about volunteering, I’d say definitely go for it. It has made me more of a people person, and has made me more caring towards other people. It’s so rewarding when you can see how your efforts have changed someone’s situation.”
**Here is Perfecta’s nomination for the Newcomer to Volunteering Award, made by Thames Reach colleague Kandeel: “Perfecta lends her expertise to support people with crucial aspects \[of job-searching\] such as CV writing and applications. Her assistance extends beyond the people we work with, as she has also displayed remarkable abilities in providing administrative support to the team. She is willing to accomplish any duty handed to her, and to help anyone. Her willingness to go above and beyond in supporting others is a true testament to her character and dedication.”**
**Congratulations, Perfecta!**
**If you are interested in volunteering with any of our projects across Thames Reach, please visit our [Volunteering](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/) page.**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Rough sleeping
---
### [Latest annual figures reveal the full extent of the homelessness crisis](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/06/28/annual-chain-stats-2023/)
**Published:** June 28, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** The cost-of-living crisis has contributed to a vast increase in numbers of people sleeping rough
**Content:**
Released today, official statistics of people rough sleeping in London reveal a 21% increase in people sleeping rough in the capital from last year, exposing the real impact of not only the cost-of-living and housing crises, but also tighter immigration and asylum restrictions post-Brexit. They represent a 250% increase on the figure for 2010.
The cost-of-living crisis has particularly affected people who are trying to live in independent accommodation, who are responsible for paying bills on very low incomes. This has meant that maintaining accommodation is increasingly difficult, and particularly affects those who were already at risk of rough sleeping, and people trying to move on and rebuild their lives after homelessness. At Thames Reach, we have dedicated teams supporting people into their own homes in different circumstances, whether this is to prevent their homelessness, after periods of sleeping rough, or transitioning from staying in hostels. However, rising rents and increased energy and food costs are becoming overwhelming, and for some it is simply not possible to keep on top of these costs and maintain accommodation.
Just under 50% of people seen sleeping rough in London are non-UK nationals; this is similar to the proportions in 2010 –11, but with the 250% increase we are seeing, the actual number of people is much higher. The limited or non-existent access to public help that this group are facing remains the same, and it means that resolving their homelessness is more difficult and that they are likely to spend much longer on the streets, and to experience the damage that comes with this.
These numbers are shocking, but they are even more reason to ensure that we are reaching as many people across London as possible. We must ensure there is the right investment and support to ensure people are not feeling isolated, and that they do feel part of a community in their new home, in addition to mitigating the worst possible outcome for individuals by providing prevention services. If we can prevent an individual’s homelessness, we are closer to ending all homelessness.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Rough sleeping
---
### [Thames Reach join Prince William's homelessness project 'Homewards'](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/06/27/prince-william-homelessness/)
**Published:** June 27, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** We are proud to be invited as an expert partner for the new Homewards initiative, aiming to end homelessness
**Content:**
On Monday, Thames Reach Area Director, Isobel McKenna, was included in a roundtable with HRH Prince William to discuss the homelessness crisis, launching the Prince and Princess of Wales’ [Homewards](https://homewards.org.uk/about-us/) initiative. The delivery and impact of the project will include: National Expert Panel (for credibility and expertise), Activators (for resources and investment), Sector Partners (for learning and knowledge), and Advocates (for profile and reach).
Lambeth is one of Homewards’ six flagship locations, and due to our partnership work in the borough supporting people experiencing homelessness, we are an invited member of the Lambeth coalition, and will lend our expertise to the five-year project, details of which will be revealed in due course. Various organisations across the private and public sectors, as well as people with lived experience, come together with the shared mission of ending homelessness. We support this collaborative effort, with its goal of making the experience of homelessness “rare, brief, and unrepeated.”
We are honoured to be part of this exciting project, and look forward to sharing progress throughout the five-year process.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Fundraising
---
### [Mutiat's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/06/19/mutiat-story/)
**Published:** June 19, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Mutiat discusses the support she has received towards getting better, more suitable housing, now that she is retired
**Content:**
**Mutiat has been receiving housing support, including advocacy for better, more suitable accommodation. Through an introduction to our team in Lewisham, and subsequent conversations, her key worker has been able to identify other areas of support she might need, including physical health support and digital skills classes.**
“I met the team at Lewisham IHASS after I was referred from the council. I needed help with filling out forms for my housing.
“I really appreciate them; when I first needed their help, I needed an interpreter because my first language is Yoruba. My key worker could also speak Yoruba, so the process became much easier. When I was able to fill out the forms I needed for my housing, I was then offered support for a few other things. This came out of a conversation I had with my key worker, who was so nice.
“Through our conversations, I learned about the other kinds of support I could get help with.”
**By having a good working relationship with her key worker, Mutiat realised that there were other things she could get support for; she didn’t need to struggle alone.**
“I started a digital skills class a few weeks ago. It’s going well, and I’m learning how to do things on my phone that will make it easier to stay in touch with different people. I found out about the class when my key worker mentioned it to me, saying that there would be free classes in Deptford for people wanting to be more confident using phones and computers.”
**Now she is gaining digital skills, what does the future look like for Mutiat?**
“I am retired now, but the thing I like to do most is going out and meeting people. I have problems with my knee, but I am going towards being able to contact people and go out and see them.
“The team have been fantastic; they have really helped me with my housing. I’m very happy about them; they’ve been so nice and welcoming towards me. If anyone I know needs help, I would definitely introduce them to Thames Reach.”
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** deptford reach, housing, lewisham, physical health, Prevention, Thames Reach
---
### [Reflecting on homelessness prevention at Brent Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/06/06/brent-reach-team/)
**Published:** June 6, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Sade, Martina and Kef at Brent Reach discuss their holistic approach to preventing homelessness
**Content:**
**Sade, Martina and Kef from the Brent Reach team reflect on its fifteen years of service in the Brent area supporting people to prevent homelessness.**
**What Brent Reach offer the community**
“We support people in the community to sustain their tenancy, and empower them to be independent. We signpost to different services depending on their needs, as well as advocating for people regarding issues such as their housing.”
**Helping prevent homelessness**
“We help people integrate into their communities, so that they have the network and skills to navigate different challenges, and ultimately we support people to prevent them becoming homeless. We link people up with training, volunteering, or employment, depending on what they want to do, and sometimes help with the paperwork to maximise their benefits, all arming people towards living more independently. Putting things in place for people and intervening as quickly as possible is essential to stop homelessness occurring for an individual.”
**How homelessness prevention work has changed in recent years**
“Demand for our support has increased since the pandemic; particularly in 2020 and 2021, so many organisations and services closed, and as people became more isolated, issues often intensified.
“I’m really proud of the team’s efforts during the lockdowns. We did amazing work at that time, considering we have such a client-facing position, and we learned so much about the reality of isolation. We were distributing supplies to people when they couldn’t leave their homes, taking it in turns to buy food parcels, and making contact with food banks to make sure people with particular vulnerabilities weren’t going hungry. We carried out essential visits to those most in need, and helped people top up their gas and electricity. Our work was recognised by the Mayor of Brent, and it was such a rewarding experience to see how we could come together and help people directly.
**A unique project in the heart of Brent**
“There’s been no one like us! We’re a really unique project. Of course, every stage of homelessness support needs funding, but if you’re only funding the point at which a person loses their home, then the numbers of people becoming homeless are only going to increase. Once someone has become homeless, the problems multiply; an individual’s mental health can deteriorate, for example. If there were more services like ours, whereby we can help people where they are and with the exact support they need, we would see a real reduction in homelessness.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** brent, Prevention
---
### [What is it like to do a student placement with Thames Reach?](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/06/01/social-work-student-volunteer/)
**Published:** June 1, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Maja discusses what she has learned during her social work student placement
**Content:**
“During the pandemic I did some work at a food bank in Camberwell, and while volunteering I realised that I wanted to shift my career towards helping people. I was walking past Thames Reach’s Camberwell office all the time, so knew where they were, and decided to do some more research to find out the kind of support that they offer people. After my time at the food bank, I had started my degree in social work, so for my placement I applied with Thames Reach, and was told that I might be a good fit for the TST\* \[Tenancy Sustainment Team\].”
**A day in the life of a social work placement**
“I would always start the day before, preparing for the next morning’s visits. As a volunteer, I didn’t have my own caseload, but I assisted a support worker in the team, so would be making to visits to people across London, in the form of welfare checks, or other things they might need. I would organise this in such a way that manages my time well, for instance I would try to get to see everyone living in South West London in one day. Usually, my day consisted of visits in the morning, then catching up with admin in the afternoon, either in the office or at home. Flexibility is key for the role, as sometimes visits don’t go exactly to plan, and I might be needed to help out with other issues during welfare checks. For example, I might spend an hour on the phone to the gas company for someone we support, other times I’ll be told that they are fine, and it’s only a short visit! If things don’t go to plan, it can be a bit of a challenge, but there have been times when I’m doing my admin later on and am actually able to identify the progress someone is making.
“The element I’ve enjoyed the most has been meeting the people Thames Reach work with. I spent the early part of my placement observing support workers and the reality of homelessness; it has been so inspiring to see how the academic work I’ve been doing for my degree comes together with practical experiences. I could notice myself becoming more confident as the time went on!”
**Challenges of the work**
“I was definitely quite naive in the beginning; I didn’t realise how complex the transition from homelessness to recovery and independent living can be. I thought that housing equals recovery, but there’s so much more that goes on in terms of supporting people when they’ve been traumatised. Playing a small part in showing people that they deserve a higher standard of living has been rewarding.”
**Advice to future volunteers**
“To anyone thinking of doing this kind of volunteering, I’d say go for it! Especially if it is part of a placement, as it can really boost the theoretical and academic side of social work. It’s really important to be proactive; showing people that you are there to help is really important, as is a willingness to get involved with anything that needs doing. Get as much experience as you can! As well as my work with TST, I was able to visit other projects such as hostels, to see the bigger picture of the different ways in which people are supported. I’m hoping to come back to London once I graduate to continue doing this work, so watch this space!”
*\*The Tenancy Sustainment Team (TST) are a vital part of Thames Reach’s recovery work, helping people who have had experience sleeping rough to move towards independent living, with support packages that help people in their homes once they have been housed. This support can help with issues around mental health, employment, physical health and addiction.*
**Check out our [Volunteering page](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/) for a range of ways you can support Thames Reach.**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Hostels, Recovery, women
---
### [Funding boost for night shelters welcomed](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/05/19/night-shelter-funding/)
**Published:** May 19, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** A funding boost for night shelters from the government will allow our outreach teams to help people quicker
**Content:**
The Department for Levelling Up has announced a funding boost to the Night Shelter Transformation Fund, which will see increased provisions for people sleeping rough. This will include emergency night shelters used by our street outreach workers, who are out across London 365 nights a year, finding and supporting people sleeping rough.
Street outreach is a key part of the work we do towards ending street homelessness, and we welcome this new funding. Having an available offer of emergency accommodation is critical, but it is only the start of a journey away from the street. Having suitable secure accommodation and support is key if we are to help people make a permanent and successful move away from homelessness.
The full statement on the additional funding can be found on the [Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities website](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/funding-boost-for-night-shelters).
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Fundraising
---
### [New figures show small decrease in people sleeping rough in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/04/28/rough-sleeping-figures-april-2023/)
**Published:** April 28, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** New figures show a small decrease on people sleeping rough, but there is more work to be done
**Content:**
New figures from the GLA’s CHAIN database, which records the work of street outreach teams supporting people sleeping rough, show a slight decrease in the numbers of people seen on the streets in January to March this year from the previous quarter. However, numbers are still up from the equivalent quarter in 2022.
The reasons for this are complex, but clearly the cost-of-living crisis, unaffordable housing, and unclear immigration issues lie behind this increase, alongside the many other reasons people find themselves street homeless, including support needs around mental health, drugs, or alcohol, and moving through the criminal justice system.
We continue to work hard to find people who are on the streets and to get them into shelter, with our teams out every night seven days a week across London and East Surrey. However, if we are to meaningfully tackle street homelessness, we need to be able to focus on prevention.
Prevention is an essential part of reducing street homelessness and can take many forms including working with people experiencing mental illness to ensure they can maintain their tenancies and find work. Community outreach also helps us engage with people who may not know where to turn to receive the right support, often in community and faith hubs, and food banks.
COVID, Brexit, and the cost-of-living crisis, have hit some people in London much harder than others, and as such they are placed at a much higher risk of street homelessness. Thames Reach will continue to work to develop personalised responses and plans to help people affected by street homelessness to take control of their lives away from the streets.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Fundraising
---
### [Charlotte walks the Thames for Thames Reach!](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/04/19/charlotte-walks-the-thames/)
**Published:** April 19, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Charlotte is walking 376km along the Thames in aid of Thames Reach
**Content:**
As you may have seen on [ITV News](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sajQwUnKnB4) recently, we are delighted that our fundraiser, Charlotte, is taking on a walk along the Thames, 376km from source to sea, to raise awareness and funds for our work ending street homelessness.
Charlotte’s journey began over the weekend, and she is documenting her adventure every day over on [Instagram,](https://www.instagram.com/charlottewalksthethames/) which has already seen flooding, animal chases and being covered in mud. As well as the physical challenge (she has walked the equivalent of two marathons in three days so far!), she is living off £10 a day, which will include her costs for food and pitching at a campsite, to further highlight the reality of homelessness.
We will be catching up with her once she is back and rested, but in the meantime join us in cheering her on through Instagram, and by sponsoring her [JustGiving](https://www.justgiving.com/page/charlottewalksthethames) page.
Thank you for taking on this incredible challenge, Charlotte, on behalf of Thames Reach and all the people we work with!
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** Fundraising
---
### [How women are supported through trauma-informed hostels](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/03/29/bethan-hostels-interview/)
**Published:** March 29, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Area Manager Bethan discusses the experiences of women in hostels
**Content:**
**Bethan is Thames Reach’s Area Manager for Hostels. With years of experience in key work with people facing multiple disadvantages, she discusses the barriers women come up against when moving through the homelessness pathways in hostels.**
“We see lots of people move through our hostels, all with different stories and histories, and the demand is only getting higher. Although, there are much fewer women in our hostels than men, and there always have been. It’s important not to generalise, but we have fewer women residents in our hostels as they tend to stay as long as possible with their support networks, even if they are challenging, precarious or dangerous environments.
“It can take longer to build relationships with women in the hostel setting, sometimes as a result of the traumatic experiences they have faced before arriving. When someone we’re working with has already been through significant trauma and abuse, staying in one place can be difficult and anxiety-inducing, and it’s not uncommon for people to move between hostels if their needs aren’t being met. We have to look at what their particular needs are, and we help them make and attend appointments such as physical and sexual health care.
Key workers have to be flexible and creative when building trusting relationships; back when I was a key worker, I was supporting one woman who wouldn’t even answer the door when she first arrived, which I totally understood, so I’d just leave her a cup of tea outside every morning, and popped a note under her door to let her know I would be available when she’s ready to talk.
“There is a lot of discussion about gendered spaces at the moment, and while they certainly have benefits, trauma-informed spaces are arguably more important. At Thames Reach, all our hostels are trauma-informed, which means that we support people in a way that acknowledges and works with trauma, rather than against or despite of it. This is essential in helping people move on in a way that makes sense for them.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Hostels, Recovery, women
---
### [London Homelessness Award sees Deptford Reach helping more people in the community](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/03/22/homelessness-awards-dr/)
**Published:** March 22, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** After their win at the London Homelessness Awards in 2022, Deptford Reach have been able to expand their offering to support people in the community
**Content:**
**Back in 2022, Deptford Reach won a £10,000 prize at the [London Homelessness Awards](https://lhawards.org.uk/) for their homelessness prevention work in the Lewisham community. Jordan is the Lead Manager of Deptford Reach, and discusses the impact the prize has had on the people they work with, as well as being a boost for the team.**
**How did it feel to win at the London Homelessness Awards?**
It was a great moment of validation, feeling like we are really being seen. We do this work every day, so having an award that shows everyone exactly what we have been doing, and the difference it’s making in the community, is a great feeling. It helped us take a step back and look at our work as a team and recognise how important it is. The people we work with, and people who fund our work, seeing that we’ve won an award like this is another way of letting people know that we are experts in what we do, and that we really want to help people that need the support.
**How was the awards ceremony?**
Celebrating all the hard work that the different winners had been doing was a special moment; it was also a good experience to speak with different, similar organisations, develop new partnerships that can help us move people away from street homelessness. Even just meeting people from different organisations was positive, seeing new services and understanding how different people and teams work.
**How has the prize money helped the work you’re doing?**
We’re expanding our service into the community, to help people who might feel anxious or unsure about visiting a day centre, so the extra boost to our funding has allowed us to visit more spaces in the community, such as food banks, where people might be struggling and unaware of what we can offer.
People often come to us with issues with their living situation, so we are able to provide funds for small home repairs to ensure their accommodation is safe and secure. With the ongoing energy crisis, we’ve been able to lessen some of the stress and burden of prices increasing by providing energy vouchers to people who are particularly concerned about the cost of heating their homes.
**Deptford Reach, and other projects across London, are encountering extra pressure due to increased demand and the cost of living crisis, which is affecting services as well as those using them. [Click here](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/) to find out how you can support our work by donating or volunteering.**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** East Surrey, Outreach, support worker, surrey
---
### [Jasmine's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/03/07/jasmine-story/)
**Published:** March 7, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Jasmine's mental health was suffering when she was struggling to feed her family. Through support from Deptford Reach, she was able to lessen the strain while her husband was unable to work
**Content:**
**Jasmine recently came into contact with Deptford Reach through their community outreach, making sure people in the community are receiving the support they need, such as maintaining tenancies, keeping track of financies and mental health. Deptford Reach are making a huge impact in Lewisham by being visible at food banks and other hubs in the area. In her own words, Jasmine talks about the support she has received from Deptford Reach, particularly support worker Shana.**
“For over two years I have been struggling day-to-day. I had recently got married to my husband who isn’t from this country, so it took a long time for him to get authorisation to work. Eventually this took a toll on me as I was working part time with two children and a husband to feed. Due to the fact I was married, all my benefits were reduced even though my husband was not earning and he wasn’t entitled to benefits. I was left in despair and this affected my mental health to the point I would spend all day crying and feeling suicidal.
“I began visiting a food bank in Lewisham, but would just take my food and go, until one day I couldn’t contain my emotions and burst into tears. Someone working there took me to one side and asked how they could help.
“Then I was referred to a staff member from Deptford Reach called Shana. As a sufferer of mental health, namely depression, I was in tears and felt in a low mood, but Shana put me at ease straight away. Because of my financial struggle I explained my situation and was relieved to be told I could claim Universal Credit, which I wasn’t aware of. I was booked in the following week where I was assisted in completing the claim.
“My claim was accepted and I now have help paying my rent and still have a small amount of spare change to feed my family.
“I am very relieved that I now finally have extra financial support which has taken the stress away, that had been pushing me down for so long. I have Deptford Reach to thank for that.”
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** deptford reach, lewisham, Prevention, Thames Reach
---
### [Working towards ending street homelessness in East Surrey](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/02/23/east-surrey-outreach-interview/)
**Published:** February 23, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Support worker Boni introduces us to the work being done towards ending street homelessness in East Surrey
**Content:**
**East Surrey Outreach Service (ESOS) covers four boroughs within a large expanse of East Surrey. Their work combines outreach and support work to help people sleeping rough in towns including Reigate, Dorking, Epsom, Leatherhead, Redhill, Oxted, Horley, Ewell, Caterham, and Ashtead.**
Support worker Boni talks us through a day in the life of working at ESOS.
“We are an outreach service attached to the East Surrey area, and cover four boroughs: Tandridge, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, and Reigate & Banstead.
“I usually start my day by planning my diary, figuring out which appointments I’m having with people in my caseload. As the areas we cover can be miles apart, I try to organise my appointments accordingly, and visit people who are fairly close to each other in the same afternoon, for example. Our team conducts street outreach as well as ongoing casework with the people we are helping. We sometimes work with people who are experiencing different types of homelessness, such as sofa-surfing, so we’re flexible and supportive in our approach. We work closely with local councils and have built strong relationships that allow us to advocate for people trying to access necessities such as emergency housing.
“Within ESOS, we have regular team meetings where we discuss successes, incidents, and training that we are keen to undertake to help us in our roles. Of course, we are all different and have different strengths, so working in a closely-knit team allows us to learn from each other and make the right connections to work towards ending street homelessness in East Surrey.
“I really value the face-to-face side of my work, and think it is vital in establishing the trust needed to help people off the streets. When advocating for people with agencies such as drug and alcohol support or mental health services, my approach is to remind these organisations of people’s particular vulnerabilities. There isn’t one single or guaranteed route for helping everyone we meet. I go to hubs across the East Surrey area and speak to people who might be homeless and unknown to us. There is so much stigma around becoming homeless, and a simple friendly conversation can really help people open up about what they’re going through and what they might need.
“One person I am working with at the moment is Mike\*. He is entrenched, which means he has been sleeping rough for a long time and that is now his lifestyle; he makes it work for him, but this does not take away from the fact that sleeping rough is life-threateningly dangerous, regardless of how secure the setup might seem. Mike has been sleeping in a supermarket car park and is known to the local community and has a good relationship with passers-by, as well as employees from the supermarket. Despite having no fixed address, he is known to the adult social care team regarding his own support needs, including high functioning Schizophrenia, but he is refusing help. I travel to where he is to do a welfare check weekly and in severe weather Mike is checked daily. In that time, his engagement with ESOS has definitely improved. We have started to take him a hot lunch, which he now accepts from us, which is a positive step. Helping him come off the streets is going to be a long process, but one thing I know I’m good at is calling people in and speaking loudly for my clients when it’s needed. I’ve started working with a psychologist who is going to meet with Mike during one of my upcoming welfare visits, and I’m hopeful that this will be a big step towards finding Mike the right type of accommodation and support for his needs.
“I believe in not giving up on people, regardless of engagement. If someone doesn’t want to engage with our services, that is up to them, but I will make repeat welfare checks and try to provide things like food, water, and a friendly face, to make their situation a little easier, until they feel ready to engage and take up the support to come off the streets.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** East Surrey, Outreach, support worker, surrey
---
### [Success stories from our Tech Lending Scheme](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/02/14/tech-lending-update/)
**Published:** February 14, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Angie* and Kamil* have been able to make positive changes to their lives and gain further independence thanks to receiving a tablet from the Tech Lending Scheme
**Content:**
Last year, we happily [revealed](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tech-lending-2022/) that we were working in partnership with Hubbub and Virgin Media O2 to lend tablet devices to people we work with across Thames Reach. Recipients, many of whom are in hostels and temporary and emergency accommodation, have access to the device, apps and six months of free calls and data, thanks to the partnership.
Managed by the Essentials Skills team at Thames Reach, there has been a hugely positive response from the scheme, which is currently in its pilot stage. Angie\* and Kamil\* have both received a tablet on the Tech Lending Scheme, and are gaining further independence.
Angie is in her fifties and a resident at one of Thames Reach’s hostels. She has a history of mental health support needs and drug use, both of which she has been receiving support for during her time in the hostel. Back in September 2022, she received a tablet from the Tech Lending Scheme, and said she intended to use the device for music and games. Angie is a big character, and a prominent figure within the hostel, and has proven to be a big advocate of the Tech Lending Scheme, role-modelling positive behaviour and results to other residents. Staff have remarked how peer-to-peer advice is often the most powerful intervention, and resonates with Angie’s fellow residents. She has used her own tablet to help cope with difficult periods of mental health, describing listening to music via the device as a coping strategy. When contacted by Tech Lending Hub staff for feedback, she said, “I’m loving it. I use it 24/7. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to have one.”
Kamil is a Polish national in his forties who has been residing at our night shelter since early October 2022. He has limited English language proficiency, and a history of physical ill health. He was loaned a device by Thames Reach within his first week of moving into the shelter, and immediately started using it to make positive progress, including attending an online ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes twice a week. He uses his tablet to complete online homework set by his ESOL tutor, as well as additional study outside of class, which will contribute to future independence. When Kamil needed to visit hospital at the end of October, he was able to use the Voice-to-Text Google Translate feature on his tablet to liaise with doctors about the problem he was experiencing, allowing him to receive the right treatment. Staff at the shelter have remarked that Kamil has been using the tablet to provide peer support to other residents, hoping to embed digital skills for others who have received tablets through the Tech Lending Scheme.
\*names have been changed for confidentiality purposes
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** community, Employment and Skills, essential skills, Hostels, tech lending scheme, temporary accommodation
---
### [How does the new South East London outreach team work?](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/02/02/south-east-outreach/)
**Published:** February 2, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Ryan, lead worker in our new South East Regional Outreach team, discusses the work being done to end street homelessness across the South East of the city
**Content:**
**Thames Reach are the providers of the new South East London Regional Outreach team, which covers four boroughs within the South East of the city to help people off the streets and identify the support they need to move on from street homelessness. The team’s lead worker, Ryan, tells us about the work he does.**
“The South East Regional Outreach Team (SEROT) is a new service that was put into place after London Street Rescue ended. This was the result of the decision for outreach services to be commissioned by local authorities. SEROT operates in four boroughs: Greenwich, Bromley, Lewisham, and Bexley. We get our referrals from colleagues in the Rapid Response Team (RRT), who respond to referrals made via Streetlink.
“No two days are ever the same, but an average day for me is an early start, checking for any referrals that were made overnight by the RRT and beginning welfare checks on anyone that is out rough sleeping, and working with them to resolve their homelessness. Working with people we have already made contact with, who are now in temporary accommodation, is a big part of what we do, as we discuss and plan their next steps with them. The rest of my work time is spent on casework and other admin related to the people I’m working with.
“In my borough, the people we work with are mostly white British males with substance support needs. This isn’t the case across South East London, as other boroughs work with a high number of people from other areas, with limited recourse to benefits. We fortunately have a strong working relationship with local drug and alcohol services, who will join an outreach shift when I am working with someone that would benefit from a visit.
“In South East London, I think we have all noticed a rise in the number of people rough sleeping for the first time, and I’m sure this goes for the rest of the country. The challenge is finding affordable, sustainable, decent living in London where most parts of the city are unaffordable.
“It has definitely been positive to work alongside colleagues that I worked with in London Street Rescue. This has meant that people who have been receiving support with us for a sustained period have not been affected by the changes.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** bexley, bromley, Greenwich, lewisham, Outreach, Recovery
---
### [Layla's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2023/01/16/layla-story/)
**Published:** January 16, 2023
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Layla has been helped back into work with the help of the Lambeth IPS team
**Content:**
**Layla has been receiving support from the Lambeth IPS (Individual Placement and Support) team, who are a part of Thames Reach in our collaboration with the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance.**
Layla has been living in Lambeth for several years, and was referred to the IPS service in late July, with an assessment done by the team two days later. At the time of the referral, Layla was out of work and looking to get back into full-time employment. The role of IPS is to work with people who have used mental health services in the borough who want to return to employment, or enter it for the first time.
Having graduated with a degree in media, the first piece of advice from the assessment was to boost her LinkedIn profile to become more visible to recruiters. A support worker in the IPS team worked with Layla to show her how to optimise her time on the platform and make connections, which is a vital tool to being seen by recruiters online.
Layla met with her support worker every week for at least two hours, where she was helped to apply for around fifty job vacancies in the industry she has trained in, looking at jobs in film and the media, using online job boards and resources.
She eventually found a role she was particularly keen on, a production controller. A recruiter had engaged with her through LinkedIn because he liked her profile. The first intervention of working on Layla’s LinkedIn profile was very valuable and had a positive outcome of helping her back into employment.
Her support worker is providing regular support now Layla is back in work, as her mental health makes her feel distress in certain environments. The team have worked in collaboration with Layla’s psychologist to create the most considered approach, using a mental health toolkit that was given to her before she was discharged.
Layla is now enjoying her new role and the independence that has come from it, knowing that she can speak to her support worker and team at Lambeth IPS if any challenges arise.
**[Read more about the Lambeth IPS service](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lambeth-ips/) and how it is supporting Lambeth residents manage mental health in the workplace.**
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** employment, health, Lambeth, lambeth living well network alliance, Mental Health, Thames Reach
---
### [Tech Lending Scheme takes steps to close the digital exclusion gap this winter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/11/29/tech-lending-2022/)
**Published:** November 29, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** The Essentials Skills team, in partnership with Hubbub, Virgin Media and O2, are helping people gain digital skills and bridge the digital exclusion gap
**Content:**
A tablet lending scheme, which sees people who are facing digital exclusion given access to a digital device for up to six months, is being trialled at Thames Reach. This has been made possible thanks to funding from Hubbub, in partnership with Virgin Media O2.
Managed by the Essential Skills team, 300 tablets will be lent out to people living in temporary accommodation, while they are receiving support to end their homelessness. Devices come with free calls, texts and data allowing beneficiaries to use them for anything they need, from accessing emails and messenger apps to online materials for education and drug and alcohol programmes.
The scheme has already been rolled out in Thames Reach hostels in Lambeth and will soon be expanded to other forms of short term and emergency accommodation. Feedback from the initial pilot has been highly positive, with hostel staff seeing improvements in self-care and increased independence for residents.
When device recipients were asked how they are getting along (via text), they said:
“I am really pleased with the tablet, it is really useful in my recovery. To have the minutes and texts and data is useful. Thank you for the trust.”
“The tablet is brilliant, it is really helpful. I’m thinking of running, as I was in hospital for 6 months and had to learn to walk again. And the Mind app is great.”
“I’m loving it, I use it 24/7. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to have one.”
Alongside the scheme, all recipients will be able to develop their digital skills through Thames Reach’s in-house digital training programmes delivered by specialist staff.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** community, employment, employment academy, latin american, Prevention, southwark, southwark works
---
### [Jobs Fair supports the Latin American community into employment](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/11/21/latin-american-jobs-fair/)
**Published:** November 21, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** A jobs fair for the Latin American community has been one way in which the Southwark Works team are helping people access support and employment
**Content:**
On 16 November, the Southwark Works team ran a jobs fair at Thames Reach’s Employment Academy, specialising in opportunities and support for the Latin American community in South East London. Employers from a range of sectors were in attendance to meet with people in the Latin American community who were looking for work in the capital.
The fair was a unique event; from two years experience working with Latin American communities in and around Southwark, the team had established the need to connect people looking for work with potential employers. This is not always a straightforward task, given challenges including language barriers, right-to-work documentation and a sufficient understanding of welfare systems, and accessing a GP.
Opportunities available in construction, care, cleaning and hospitality were shared with attendees, as well as specialist advice from Southwark Works, support services and education providers.
We spoke with Alvaro and Julia, originally from Colombia who attended the fair in Camberwell.
Julia said, “I was really happy to get information on the English courses, as I am looking to improve my English; it was also interesting to find legal advice here around immigration.”
Alvaro said, “We came today to look for work opportunities, and to try and find new opportunities to improve our lives in London. Now we have taken contact details and will be hopefully receiving some support to get into work and test our English, to see where we need to improve our skills.”
The fair was very well attended, with almost 100 people in the local Latin American community coming to the Employment Academy. It was an incredibly positive event for attendees, employers and Southwark Works alike.
Giovanni, support worker in the Southwark Works team, said: “This event has been a great opportunity for the Latin American community to find out about opportunities in South East London, whether they need general support, training or employment. Similarly, it has also been a chance for support services, employers and training providers to network together, find out more about each other’s work and create the basis for long-term collaborations, and possibly a development of a hub of professionals that liaise together in order to offer specialised and tailored help to this fantastic and hard-working community.”
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** community, employment, employment academy, latin american, Prevention, southwark, southwark works
---
### [Report launches into impact of CLaSS](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/11/11/class-report-launch/)
**Published:** November 11, 2022
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach launches report into impact of Lambeth-based Community Living and Support Service
**Content:**
Yesterday, 10 November, Thames Reach held an event to launch a new independent report into the work done by our Community Living and Support Service (CLaSS).
Written by independent researcher Frank Curran of [SP Solutions](https://www.spsolutions.org.uk/), the report looks at the impact CLaSS has had since the service first launched in February 2020.
**What is CLaSS**
The CLaSS team is comprised of staff from Thames Reach, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) and Lambeth council. The team works with vulnerable people within Lambeth hospitals who are facing delays in being discharged from hospital due to non-medical issues such as housing. The team also works with people in the local community to prevent them from reaching a crisis point that might lead to a hospital admission.
CLaSS operates as part of the [Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance](https://lambethtogether.net/living-well-network-alliance/about/), a partnership between Thames Reach, SLAM, Lambeth council, Certitude and the Lambeth NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, which helps people using mental health services in the London Borough of Lambeth.
**Why it is needed**
Many people who get admitted to hospital, and who have support needs related issues such as housing or mental health, often remain on hospital wards long after they are medically fit for discharge. Usually, because they are unable to return to the local community. As well as being immensely difficult and distressing for the people involved, this can also prove costly for hospitals with limited resources. CLaSS attempts to address this.
**The report launch**
Thames Reach held a remote launch event yesterday for the report, which featured a presentation on the findings, followed by a panel discussion.
Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said: ‘We’re proud of our involvement in the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance, and the work of the CLaSS team which shows what this collaboration between partners can achieve. The report looks at the success of the team and their work to support discharge, and the approach of the Alliance that recognises the contribution that the voluntary sector can make in constructively challenging professional silos in the health and social care sector.’
You can watch both parts of the event below.
**ClaSS Report Launch Part One – Presentation**
**ClaSS Report Launch Part Two – Panel Discussion**
**The CLaSS Report**
[You can also read the CLaSS Report in full here.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CLaSS-Report.pdf)
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** CLASS, community, Discharge, health, Healthcare, Hospital, Lambeth, Mental Health, physical health
---
### [New grant for Deptford Reach will support five years of community outreach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/11/03/deptford-reach-grant/)
**Published:** November 3, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** A new grant from City Bridge Trust will see Deptford Reach providing community outreach support for five years
**Content:**
We are pleased to announce that Deptford Reach, our service offering prevention support across Lewisham, has been awarded a grant that will fund five years of outreach in the community. This new model for Deptford Reach, which has been piloted for several months, will allow the team to work with people at risk of homelessness in the wider community, through food banks, churches, and other hubs, to ensure that support is directed where it is most needed. With the cost-of-living crisis, Thames Reach acknowledge that new people will require the service, so it is important that the team are expanding outside of the day centre model. New figures showing an increase in people sleeping rough for the first time highlights the need to take action to stop the existing crisis of street homelessness escalating further.
This funding is thanks to a partnership with City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charity funder, and will allow people to access support who may be affected by the social stigma of homelessness. With the support given by the Deptford Reach team, the objective is to help as many people as possible, through casework and engagement to help issues around accommodation, mental health, employment, and immigration.
Having been recognised with a £10,000 prize at the London Homelessness Awards in October, Deptford Reach will now secure its place as a valued service in the community by expanding into the wider Lewisham borough, reaching people who won’t have had contact with the service yet. With a presence at food banks, for example, people using this service will be able to receive practical advice on maintaining their tenancies and preventing homelessness as well as essential food supplies.
Fiona Sutherland, Area Director, said: “Thames Reach are delighted for the recognition and funding from City Bridge Trust in order to continue to work to resolve issues which lead to homelessness for people in Lewisham. We know street homelessness is traumatic, and this intervention will allow us to be visible and accessible in the local community, and offer resolutions to issues which commonly lead to homelessness.”
Jordan McTigue, Lead Manager for Deptford Reach, said: “This new funding will make sure we are delivering the best service for people at risk of homelessness, providing real options to help with specific issues being experienced. From experience, we know that being out in the community is an effective way to help people who may be feeling they are running out of options.”
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** community, deptford reach, funding, Mental Health, Prevention
---
### [New rough sleeping figures show a worrying increase in demand for homelessness services](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/10/31/chain-stats-autumn-2022/)
**Published:** October 31, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Our Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, breaks down the new figures on homelessness released today by City Hall
**Content:**
“New figures released by City Hall today show a worrying increase in people sleeping rough across all groups recorded, with the most significant increase in people sleeping rough for the first time, and non-UK citizens experiencing street homelessness. The data covers the period June to September, so before much of the increase in costs of living, which are likely to have a particular impact on people who receive benefits and are on low incomes, and on people who are moving away from street homelessness.
“The reasoning behind this increase is complex and will depend on the individual’s situation, but increasing pressure on the housing market has meant that private renting has become more expensive and precarious. The capping of benefits has also added to this pressure, particularly in London, where this means that much of the capital is unaffordable to people on benefits.”
**Numbers increasing for the second quarter in a row**
“A 33% increase in new people coming to the streets is a real concern. Our prevention services have been working with people in the community who are at risk of street homelessness as a result of low-quality housing and employment, immigration status or mental health support needs compounded by increasing costs, but we need to make sure that these services are funded and expanded to engage with people as early as possible to avoid the trauma of street homelessness.”
**Numbers of non-UK citizens sleeping rough increasing**
“The challenges facing people with limited or unclear eligibility and no recourse to public funding are not going away. We call on the government to continue reviewing their stance on non-UK citizens, so we can support people in a range of situations to get back into employment, secure their immigration status and move away from street homelessness.
“While we are all noticing the changes and strains under the current crisis, the same issues we have noticed for years remain the key issues in tackling homelessness: access to housing that is good quality, secure and affordable; employment; mental health support; substance use treatment, immigration advice and prevention measures. This includes direct engagement with different communities who may not feel comfortable accessing homelessness services themselves.”
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** CHAIN, community, cost of living, Mental Health, Prevention, Recovery, statistics
---
### [What must the next Prime Minister do to help end street homelessness?](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/08/25/new-prime-minister-end-homelessness/)
**Published:** August 25, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** As the Conservative leadership race nears its end, our Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, looks at what the new Prime Minister needs to do to end street homelessness
**Content:**
**As the Conservative leadership contest draws to a close and we find out who will be our new Prime Minister, we know that the big issues facing the next government, especially COVID recovery, the cost-of-living crisis and Brexit, all play a part in any attempts to end street homelessness. Our Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, discusses what is needed to put an end to street homelessness.**
“The last three years have seen a reduction in rough sleeping, and an improvement in the way that central and local government have worked together with organisations like Thames Reach towards the goal of ending rough sleeping. We have also seen an increased recognition that the work of other areas, notably health and criminal justice services, are part of the problem and therefore need to be part of the solution.
### Protecting recent progress
“Significantly, this has been unpinned by a Treasury settlement that has set funding plans for a three-year period, which started in April this year. This is a relatively short time, but it has allowed us to plan and develop services that are beginning to make a real difference. We still have a very long way to go, but we are going in the right direction. Our first ask is that the new government protect this progress and recommit to this dedicated spending and the ambition of ending street homelessness, without which we will lose the progress that we have made.
### Addressing benefit issues
“Our second ask is that the government looks again at benefits. In London, the combination of a benefits cap and local housing allowance limits mean that much of London is unaffordable to single people who are on low incomes and reliant on benefits for support, or who are not in work. This means that people spend longer than they should in temporary accommodation and hostels, and that they are unable to find accommodation in areas that they know and where they can find work, contributing to labour shortages in industries like hospitality and construction.
### Non-UK nationals
“Finally, it remains the case that around half the people sleeping on the streets of London are non-UK nationals. We welcome the increased flexibility shown by the Home Office in working with this group, for example the relaxation of deadlines around settled status. However, the options available to our outreach teams working with non-UK nationals are far more limited, and as a result many may remain on the streets. Without a flexible and compassionate approach that focuses on getting people off the streets, our aspirations to end rough sleeping will remain out of reach.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** hostel, Hostels, Lambeth, Moving On
---
### [Mental health support in Lambeth: Meet the Staying Well team](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/07/26/lambeth-staying-well/)
**Published:** July 26, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Agnes, manager of the Staying Well team, discusses her work supporting people in Lambeth with mental health support needs
**Content:**
“I’m Agnes, team manager for the Staying Well team, which is part of the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA). I’ve been at Thames Reach since 2017, initially as a lead worker in our women’s-only hostel before transferring to the Alliance in 2018.
“Staying Well is a new service within the LWNA which aims to act as a ‘bridge’ between primary and secondary mental health care. This is a very exciting opportunity for me and the team as over the first year our aim is to develop the offer by testing and learning what works.
“The team will be working in innovative ways to support people who are ready to be discharged from secondary mental health services to stay well in the community, as well as working with GPs to support people in primary care who have been identified as having unmet mental health needs, but who appear not to meet the threshold for a referral to secondary care service.
“The service will focus on timely engagement, social inclusion, building autonomy and independence, as well as improving physical health outcomes, such as supporting and encouraging people to attend medical appointments.
“Anyone who has worked in ending street homelessness will have first-hand awareness that there is a clear link between mental health, physical health, and street homelessness. We are working to support people with early interventions, making sure they have access to the right services, help reduce isolation, look after their physical health, and stay in their own homes. We don’t give up on people, we meet them where they are, and we do what we say we are going to do.
“In the Staying Well team, we have been working very hard to implement a new service and make it a part of the offer we have for people who are experiencing mental health difficulties in Lambeth. We are at an early development stage, and we have much more to learn than to teach. However, I am once again convinced that in order to support people to the best to our ability, collaboration and communication between all parties involved in an individual’s care is essential. Continuous work at both organisational and individual levels to break down stereotypes and preconceived ideas we have about people we support is also vital to provide tailored support which meets the individual’s needs.
“I am proud of how flexible we are as a team, whilst maintaining a clear vision of what we want to achieve. I am constantly impressed by my team; their innovation, enthusiasm, and dedication to the people we work with inspires me every day. I learned that perseverance, resilience, innovation, and an ability to not just listen but also hear, are just some of the qualities required when setting up a service which aims to introduce new ways of supporting people with mental health needs.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Lambeth, lambeth living well network alliance, Mental Health, staying well
---
### [An introduction to the new Lambeth Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment service](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/07/19/lambeth-ips/)
**Published:** July 19, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Area manager, Zandi Zungu, introduces the new Lambeth Individual Placement and Support (IPS) emloyment service, in partnership with the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance
**Content:**
Zandi Zungu, Area Manager, introduces her new service, part of our work helping prevent homelessness in London. Working with people with mental health support needs in the borough of Lambeth, the team are looking at ways of helping people back into employment.
“Our new project that is part of our partnership in the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance is employment support for people receiving mental health support from the Alliance. We are focused on accessing good quality employment for people.
“We are working directly with people who have expressed a need or want to work, or return to work. This new team fits well into Thames Reach’s structure, as we have a great deal of experience providing skills training and employment, as well as helping people to sustain jobs. Our Employment and Skills team has supported over 4,000 people actively pursuing employment, helping them with referrals, training and assessments in the last year. With the financial resilience side, we are helping people to reduce their debt, source discounts for their debt repayments, as well as manage general expenses.
“While finding a job seems like one specific process, the aftercare is very important, when there are also mental health support needs to consider. Employment sustainment is something we actively work with, ensuring we are in contact with both the individual and the employer where wanted. We also provide advice for communicating health needs with employers, including disclosing mental health conditions if that’s something they want to do, as well as navigating difficult situations and managing expectations of what might be expected of them in a role. We also work to champion work as a route to recovery within the Alliance.
“As per the remit of the Alliance, we work with people with a range of mental health support needs, so everything discussed is tailored to the individual. We have a multidisciplinary team approach, comprised of support workers, psychologists, and clinicians. Although we are a new team, we are working hard to identify and shape the best approach to helping people with mental health support needs get and sustain jobs. I’m really proud of this approach, which is not only multidisciplinary but also person-centred and trauma-informed.”
**Categories:** Blog
---
### [Will's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/05/31/will-story/)
**Published:** May 31, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Receiving tailored support for his mental health has given Will the confidence to explore his hobbies and interests again
**Content:**
**Will has been receiving mental health and tenancy sustainment support from Thames Reach through our partnership with the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance. He is now looking at life beyond his diagnosis and is enjoying his hobbies and interests again, which include dancing and record collecting.**
Will is in his mid-fifties. He has a complex mental health diagnosis, for which he needs a high level of support. When he first received support from the Lambeth Living Well Network Alliance, he was living in his own self-contained flat. He has found it difficult to manage a tenancy, so the team established that the type of accommodation he was in was not suitable for him. For Will, the stress of maintaining a tenancy had been one of the primary triggers leading to relapsing in his mental health, so this was taken into consideration when assessing his support needs.
An acceptance of his diagnosis and need for medication to help him manage his condition was achieved sensitively and through one-to-one conversations, so he could ensure that moving forward, this was in his best interest. When he was discharged from his last hospital admission, the Home Treatment Team (HTT ) visited regularly to support him in taking his medication, but he is now able to self-medicate independently.
His support workers have played a key role in helping Will manage his tenancy and thus reduce his stress levels. He also finds it hard to maintain his flat, so has a cleaner who visits once a week.
He needs support with tasks around computer literacy, processing information and liaising with services, as this is another source of stress for him, so his support workers have been advocating for him with various services. For instance, they have supported him when making phone calls to utility companies or to his landlord to report repairs, and then breaking information down for him. This has been achieved by building up a relationship of trust between Will and his support workers, through regular meetings and a consistent and empathetic approach, so that he feels comfortable asking for their support.
Aside from his health and tenancy needs, Will has also required support with financial management. The team have helped him set up affordable repayment agreements, minimising his debt by helping him claim discounts that are offered to people needing extra support. He has been assisted in claiming benefits and opening a bank account.
Will is a keen collector of records and other pop music memorabilia, and often explores charity shops in different parts of London looking for collectable items. He also enjoys his garden and often buys flowers and plants. He loves to discuss these subjects when support workers visit, and these conversations put him in a relaxed state of mind. Having a positive interest that he can pursue has greatly assisted his recovery.
Five years has now passed since Will’s last hospital admission. He has a sense of fulfilment and feels he has a strong network in the community to support him. He has just completed a course in IT through Thames Reach’s Employment and Skills team and is now able to use a smartphone and access the internet. Now, he is planning for the future and is being supported in exploring further groups and courses. As well as taking part in gardening groups, he hopes to begin dance classes, an activity that he enjoyed in the past and hopes to incorporate into his recovery journey.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** health, housing, Lambeth, lambeth living well network alliance, Mental Health, Thames Reach
---
### [The journey from volunteering to employment at Thames Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/05/18/volunteering-to-employment/)
**Published:** May 18, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Alex, assistant support worker in one of our homelessness recovery teams, discusses her career progression from volunteering to employment
**Content:**
**Alex is an assistant support worker with the PLACE (Pan-London Accommodation and Community Engagement) team, a service initially set up to help people find sustainable accommodation after receiving support through the government’s Everyone In initiative back in 2020. Prior to this, she volunteered with STAR (Sustaining Tenancies, Accommodation and Resettlement), a homelessness prevention partnership service within Thames Reach. She discusses the journey from volunteering to employment, and how the experience has helped shape her career.**
**What was your volunteering experience like, and what tasks did you do?**
I started out volunteering with the STAR team from January 2021 until November that year. It’s important to do volunteering for a sustained amount of time so that people you are helping have that level of consistency. I was their Romanian-speaking volunteer, and went out on outreach shifts to locations that were known rough sleeping spots. I helped out with translation where we were looking for people with Romanian as their first language; this then evolved into shadowing support workers in the team. I helped with evaluating and following up on client progress, then helped putting together a database of services around London, so we could easily signpost for things such as immigration, legal advice, food banks and mental health.
**What is your current role and how is the workload different from volunteering?**
I am now assistant support worker with the PLACE team, and have been since November, so I applied for the role while still volunteering. The project was set up to find permanent accommodation from the temporary provisions offered during the Everyone In initiative. We work with housing associations to match tenants with flats, making sure people have the support and signposting they need, whether this is mental health or substance support, and we refer to Thames Reach’s Employment and Skills team regularly too. I have my own caseload and work with people from the start of their recovery journey, and also work as part of the Keeping in Touch service, making sure people are secure in their tenancy once they’ve been placed in accommodation.
**What brought you to Thames Reach?**
I had been interested in homelessness for a while, and wanted to know exactly how I could help. I wanted to be able to offer direct support for people experiencing homelessness, and really contribute to the good work being done. I also wanted to see the reality of homelessness, as in London you walk past a lot of people who are street homeless but never really get the full story.
**What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering?**
I gained a lot more than I was expecting from the experience, so I would say keep an open mind and really get involved. It really opened up different ideas and opportunities for me. The team were happy to share their knowledge and expertise with me, so don’t feel worried that you don’t know enough, because it’s definitely a learning experience. I was able to have an overview of all the things I could potentially do in the team, so felt that I was making a difference and getting a lot back.
**If you are interested in volunteering with Thames Reach, check out our Volunteers page [here](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/) or email volunteermanagers@thamesreach.org.uk**
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** Everyone In, PLACE, Prevention, Recovery, volunteer, volunteering
---
### [Monica's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/04/28/monica-story/)
**Published:** April 28, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Monica is now having her mental and physical health support needs met after the trauma of being evicted and losing her partner
**Content:**
Monica had been living with her partner, who was terminally ill. He sadly passed away in 2019 and she was made homeless shortly after the funeral, being evicted because her partner was the registered tenant of the property. After this traumatic experience, she was sofa-surfing with different friends as well as having periods of sleeping rough in the local area; she moved around so as not to stay in the same place and become more vulnerable.
She was referred to Deptford Reach by Lewisham council, to offer support with obtaining private rented accommodation. This was made more difficult by the delay in receiving the confirmation of Monica’s leave to remain status, so at this time she had no access to benefits. Monica has difficulty reading and writing, so support was needed to obtain the right paperwork and help Monica through the stressful process.
Signposting to the right healthcare is a significant part of Monica’s recovery journey. She has some ongoing health conditions, with arthritis in her arm and knee causing chronic pain, as well as lower back pain and high blood pressure. “Deptford Reach saved my life,” Monica says, “they are good people, and they do a lot for people.” She was offered counselling to help her with the trauma that came from being evicted and sleeping rough, and has since been referred to her GP for longer-term support with this. While she awaited news from the Home Office regarding her leave to remain application, she started part-time work, before being put on furlough when the pandemic hit. Her immigration status was confirmed at the start of 2021, and she is now eligible for some benefits.
As she approaches retirement age, Monica finally feels that she can enjoy other activities, as well as learn new skills, now that her settled status is finalised. The support she gets from Deptford Reach is part of the floating support service, which means her support worker will visit her at home to address her needs, which are mostly around sustaining her accommodation. Monica is now looking to take an ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) course to help with her language skills and gain more confidence. She can now look to the future as she is finally comfortable with the setup of her own accommodation, and the ongoing support that she has for her mental and physical health.
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** deptford reach, Hard to Reach, health, housing, Moving On, physical health, Thames Reach
---
### [Chloe's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/03/31/chloe-story/)
**Published:** March 31, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Chloe is on a positive personal journey towards recovery after a traumatic experience which included street homelessness. Now, with support from Greenwich Navigators, she is optimistic about the future.
**Content:**
Chloe’s journey towards recovery is about much more than resolving her homelessness. Five years ago, she was in a relationship which began to go wrong when her partner was taking all her money to buy drugs. One day, after being surrounded by them for some time, she tried what her partner had been buying, and found herself facing addiction within a toxic relationship environment, which included domestic violence. This escalated to a situation whereby Chloe lost her one-bedroom flat as she couldn’t keep up with rent; she also didn’t want to go back to the flat, as it was the address her partner knew, and she was trying to escape him.
This left Chloe between sofa-surfing and sleeping rough during the early stages of the pandemic, until she realised she needed help, so approached Greenwich council. “I’m very stubborn, I won’t go asking for help until I really have to. I hid my situation from my family for a long time.” That was when she was allocated Francis, who works for Thames Reach’s Greenwich Navigators team, as her support worker.
Chloe speaks about the support she has been getting from Francis, who has been working with her for the past eight months. “He’s been great. Without him I’d be nowhere.” She says that she is able to ask for support with different things as she navigates her recovery, whether that is signposting for housing, food banks or any other issue she has questions about.
She is now in supported housing, sharing with three women in a house that she clearly loves; she remarks how clean and suitable it is for her as she is on a good trajectory away from drugs and homelessness, as well as receiving the right help for her mental health. Chloe says that she wants to sort out all her different issues, but she knows that it can only be done one step at a time, and being in stable accommodation is the foundation she needs.
Chloe is looking forward to doing things that help her mental health, as she currently avoids groups due to her past. She likes the idea of cooking classes, and has a talent for hair. She does the hair of the women she shares accommodation with, and in the future will look to getting qualified and pursuing it as a career.
“I’m not waking up every morning and thinking of drink; if there weren’t hope with Thames Reach, with Francis, and the way he speaks with me and listens to me, I would have just left it, and I would have suffered. I would probably still be out there now.
“Sometimes I wake up happy, other days I wake up sad and I don’t know why, but it happens to everyone. Like yesterday, I woke up sad, but I looked around and thought, ‘I’m here now’, and trust me, I’m not going back.”
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** Hard to Reach, health, housing, Moving On, physical health, Thames Reach
---
### [Bill Tidnam speaks about rough sleeping stats in government panel discussion](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/03/01/panel-discussion-1-march/)
**Published:** March 1, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, spoke at the government's 'Delivering Together to End Rough Sleeping' event on 1 March 2022.
**Content:**
New figures released by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) show the numbers of people sleeping rough have fallen for the fourth year in a row, with a 9% decrease from this time last year. The whole of England saw this decrease, but it is estimated that the biggest drop in numbers was found in London, with around 10% fewer people than autumn 2020.
While these numbers are initially encouraging, an online event on 1 March chaired by Eddie Hughes MP stressed that there is more work to be done.
As part of this event, Thames Reach Chief Executive Bill Tidnam featured on the government’s ‘Delivering Together to End Rough Sleeping’ panel, alongside Eddie Hughes MP, Minister for Housing and Rough Sleeping; Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester; and Kath Wallace, Divisional Manager of Liverpool City Council. They discussed the recent statistics, with all panellists agreeing on the importance of prevention services and suitable housing solutions to not only ensure that numbers continue to decrease, but that we can intervene and support people before the traumatic experience of street homelessness occurs.
During the panel, Bill was asked about best practices for supporting people with complex needs, asserting the importance of patience, flexibility, and working with an individual to see what routes and services are best for them. The need to help people with no recourse to public funds was also a key part of the discussion, with everyone celebrating the success of ‘Everyone In’, viewing it as a framework to take forward in the mission to end rough sleeping.
Kath Wallace and Andy Burnham also spoke about community efforts, that rough sleeping is an issue that can be resolved through communities being strengthened as well as specialist input. At Thames Reach, we know the value of communities, not only in terms of helping an individual away from street homelessness, but in how hubs and groups can be excellent ways to work with people at risk of street homelessness, to engage with them outside of traditional services or buildings that may be a daunting prospect for some.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** government, Rough sleeping, Street Count, street homelessness
---
### [Area manager Isobel discusses her experience with the Traineeship](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2022/02/16/interview-traineeship-isobel/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** webmaster
**Excerpt:** The Traineeship provides experience and training for a career working with people experiencing homelessness, and great opportunities for development. Area manager for hostels, Isobel McKenna, discusses her experience with the Traineeship.
**Content:**
“I joined Thames Reach through the Traineeship in 2011. Having worked in organisations before which were more focused on policy and lobbying government, I was keen to get some experience of front-line support work. I was attracted to Thames Reach as a very practical organisation and hoped the Traineeship would give me a way in to the sector. I started in Stamford Street, as it was then known, and then moved to another hostel, Graham House, for my second placement. I found the Traineeship to be a really positive experience, a good mix of being thrown in at the deep end and getting support and guidance from the people I worked with. I learnt from my mistakes and saw the creative and consistent work done by our organisation first hand, often shadowing more experienced colleagues. I was able to stay on after my Traineeship ended, getting a job in the Graham House team, and have worked in a few of our different projects over the years, leading to my current job as the area manager for hostels. I think the Traineeship is a great opportunity for anyone looking to start their career in the sector, and I look forward to seeing who applies for this year’s scheme as a member of the interview panel.”
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** employment, employment academy, Employment and Skills, jobs, Prevention, Recovery, volunteering
---
### [A Day in the Life of a Thames Reach Trainee](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2021/02/01/day-in-the-life-trainee/)
**Published:** February 1, 2021
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** After seven months as a trainee with Thames Reach's programme, Laura felt confident enough to apply for a permanent role. Now working as a support worker, she looks back at her time as a trainee and outlines a typical day in the role.
**Content:**
**Laura Mackenzie, support worker, The Waterloo Project**
“The traineeship was a fantastic way to start my career in the homeless sector – you are eased into the work very gently. As a trainee, you feel like a student in the best sense. The teams I worked with were so supportive and nurturing, and they helped me grow a lot in a short time. After 7 months as a trainee, I had gained enough confidence, experience and skill to apply for a permanent job. I am now a support worker at the Waterloo Project.”
**7am**
“Today I am working an early shift – so I arrive at the hostel at 7am. After making an emergency coffee, it’s time for a ‘handover’. The previous shift run through our list of clients, letting us know who’s been seen throughout the night. Handovers are opportunities to flag any issues with clients or the building that the next shift needs to be aware of.”
**7:30am**
“I do a check of the building – one of the early shift’s ‘duty tasks’. Duty tasks are routine tasks that are done around the hostel every day, mostly relating to health and safety.”
**8:30am**
“The hostel is quiet, and there’s nothing urgent on emails, so I take the opportunity to work on a support plan. The Waterloo Project has 19 clients – all with complex needs around areas such as mental health and substance use. Support plans take this into account, they include assessments of the client’s risks and needs, as well as relevant goals. They are quite detailed documents, but as a trainee there’s plenty of time to get to grips with them, as you only have one client.”
**9am**
“I accompany my client to her 10am probation appointment. On other days I might accompany her to drug and alcohol services, court appearances and doctor’s appointments. As a trainee, there’s plenty of opportunity to see and build relationships with the many different external agencies that clients use. Sometimes these ‘external agencies’ come to the hostel, such as our weekly nurse clinic.”
**10:30am**
“My client and I have a detailed ‘keywork session’ – my favourite part of being a trainee. My client and I discuss the progress on her goals and have a think about some of the things she is struggling with at the moment. As a trainee, you have time for frequent and in-depth key work sessions with your client, giving you the chance to build strong rapport and trust. Keywork sessions allow you to build essential support work skills such as empathising, effective listening and maintaining boundaries.”
**11:00am**
“As a trainee, I was given responsibility for the area ‘service user involvement’. Service user involvement is about encouraging clients to participate in how the service is run. This morning I am helping facilitate a residents’ meeting, where clients can share their thoughts and suggestions about the hostel.”
**12am**
“It is time for the ‘welfare check’ – I knock and enter each of the bedrooms to ensure clients are safe.”
**12:30**
Lunch break.
**1pm**
“Today I have an online training session on ‘Client Support and Domestic Violence.’ All trainees complete a set of Core training courses, but beyond these, there are plenty of opportunities to take on additional learning. My client is struggling with issues around domestic violence and my supervisor supported me in seeking out this specific training.”
**2:30pm**
“The late shift arrives, and I hand over all relevant information. On alternate Wednesdays, this is also the time we have ‘reflective practice’. This is when our team, including our psychologists, gather for an in-depth reflective discussion on one client. These meetings really show you what taking a ‘team-approach’ to challenges looks like.”
**3:00pm**
“Home!”
**Thames Reach’s traineeship programme is open for 2021. This year’s cohort will start in May 2021, and the deadline for applications is 7 February. Click [here](https://thamesreach.org.uk/traineeship-2021-open-for-applications/) for more information on becoming a trainee.**
**Categories:** Blog, Real-life stories
**Tags:** homeless, homelessness, Hostels, support worker, Trainees, traineeship
---
### [A Day in the Life of an Assistant Support Worker](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2021/01/25/day-in-the-life-asw/)
**Published:** January 25, 2021
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Lindsey started her traineeship with Thames Reach in 2020. A year on, she reflects on her current role as assistant support worker, and how the trainee experience helped her gain confidence in the role
**Content:**
**Lindsey Shepherd, Assistant Support Worker, Martha Jones House**
“Two days are never the same at the hostel. One constant however, is that shifts always begin with a handover from the previous team. This provides an opportunity to highlight any clients who we are concerned about and may need to monitor throughout the day.
“The morning is usually focused around reminding clients of their appointments and ensuring that they are supported to attend them. Although most of our work takes place in-house, we sometimes accompany clients to probation, drug rehabilitation services and to the job centre. As a trainee, I had more time available to visit local services, including day centres and support groups, which gave me a more holistic insight into how the local authority are able to support those experiencing homelessness. A lot of our role includes liaising with other agencies to advocate on behalf of our clients, so it helps to establish a rapport with them.
“At midday every day, we enter every room to do a welfare check, to ensure that all of our residents are safe and that the building is secure. We will also do a sweep of the local area to identify whether there are any rough sleepers and report these to the outreach team. The building has an in-house surgery, so once a week a GP and nurse from the local practice come in to provide medical assistance to our residents, reducing the barriers for them to access mainstream healthcare.
“There are normally several activity groups that run in the hostel throughout the week, which trainees take a leading role in running. For example, I helped to facilitate an arts class with a local creative group called Duckie. It was a space for clients to express how they were feeling through a range of different mediums such as: dance videos, flick-through sketchbooks and joke books. We also ran a cooking group, in which we would accompany clients to the supermarket to buy the ingredients for a dish of their choice.
“We’re a high-needs hostel, which means many of our residents have complex support needs, including difficulties with their mental health and substance use. Much of our work is therefore focused on encouraging them to reduce their dependence on drugs and alcohol, maximising and budgeting finances, preparation for employment, increasing their living skills, encouraging a meaningful use of time and addressing physical health needs.
“As a trainee I had less clients, which meant that I had a lot more time to spend with them. Ideally, we have at least one in-depth key work session per client each week. This is a space for clients to discuss any grievances and consider how to work towards their move on. Where possible, I try to have the sessions outside of the building to reduce distractions.
“The traineeship was a gentle introduction into working in the homeless sector. I was able to shadow at many of Thames Reach’s other projects including hostels, outreach and floating support. This gave me the opportunity to develop my understanding of what services are available and to decide where my skills would best fit in before applying for a job. My manager is really supportive and encouraged me to focus on what I’m interested in. I had expressed an interest in working with women, so she has allowed me to take the lead in this area. I have attended multi-agency meetings on prostitution, outreached sex workers on the streets and will run a women’s space once the lockdown measures have ended.
“The benefit of working in a hostel is that you can work very closely with clients within their own home and can therefore follow their development closely. It also means that you always have your team by your side. We have bi-weekly Reflective Practice sessions as a space to discuss any challenging situations we have faced and to decide a collaborative approach of how we can best support a client. Ironically, the most rewarding part of the job for me is seeing people leave. Martha Jones House is only intended to be a temporary solution to rough sleeping and prepare them for their next chapter.”
**Thames Reach’s traineeship programme is open for 2021. This year’s cohort will start in May 2021, and the deadline for applications is 7 February. Click [here](https://thamesreach.org.uk/traineeship-2021-open-for-applications/) for more information on becoming a trainee.**
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** homeless, homelessness, Hostels, support worker, women
---
### [New City of London outreach service launches](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2020/11/02/city-of-london-service/)
**Published:** November 2, 2020
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach's City of London outreach service will provide personalised support for people experiencing street homelessness in the Square Mile
**Content:**
Today, Monday 2 November, is the official launch of Thames Reach’s new outreach service in the City of London, providing direct support for people rough sleeping in the borough.
This new outreach team will work across the City every night of the week, checking new reports of rough sleeping on the day they are received, and developing personalised, long-term support plans with people who have been sleeping rough for long periods to help them off the streets for good. This will include helping people with different needs into accommodation where they can receive the appropriate level of support to help them lead fulfilling lives.
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive, said: “Working with people sleeping on the streets to resolve their homelessness, so that they can recover and play a full part in society, has been at the centre of what we do at Thames Reach since we started in 1985. These are difficult times, but we are looking forward to working with everyone in the City of London to make a real difference to the misery of rough sleeping.”
Marianne Fredericks, Member of the Court of Common Council and Chairman of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Sub-Committee, says: “As chairman of the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Sub Committee, I am delighted to welcome Thames Reach as our new outreach service provider. With their extensive experience working with several London councils and the Greater London Authority, Thames Reach is committed to supporting the City of London to reduce homelessness, with a special emphasis on reaching our most vulnerable long-term rough sleepers.”
At Thames Reach, we are looking forward to working further towards our vision of ending street homelessness by expanding upon our 35 years’ experience delivering services to homeless people. Currently, we employ approximately 400 staff and run services in and around Greater London, including: Local authority street outreach teams in Croydon, Newham, Lambeth and Hackney; a rapid response to rough sleeping service covering 24 boroughs; a range of hostels, each sleeping up to 50 people; supported housing and long-term tenancy sustainment for people who have previously slept rough in 16 London boroughs, including Tower Hamlets and Westminster.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** city of london, homeless, homelessness, Outreach, Rough sleeping
---
### [Interview: Supporting homeless people in Hackney at The Greenhouse](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2020/09/17/greenhouse-interview/)
**Published:** September 17, 2020
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Lead manager of The Greenhouse, Qasim Bandali, discusses new remote support for people experiencing homelessness in the borough of Hackney
**Content:**
As with all Thames Reach services, [The Greenhouse](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/recovery/day-centres/greenhouse/) in Hackney has adapted to ensure the best service can be provided to those experiencing homelessness, whilst respecting social distancing. We spoke to The Greenhouse lead manager, Qasim Bandali, who discusses the various needs of new clients in Hackney who are facing homelessness. We talk about how remote working has allowed the service to help more people with a wider range of needs.
**Can you tell us about your service and what you do on a daily basis?**
The Greenhouse is a single point of entry for homeless people in the London borough of Hackney. We get referrals from four main routes: self-referrals, those from external organisations such as the Job Centre; prisons and probation services, whereby we arrange to see clients from their day of release, and finally Homerton Hospital discharges, so there is a commitment on both sides to help the service user.
**What is the process of helping service users once their referral to you has been successful?**
We assess the client within three working days of receiving a referral. Clients will present from one of the pathways I mentioned and then we carry out a triage which usually takes thirty minutes before we book them in for a main assessment. At the moment there is a two-week waiting list for appointments, which we’re looking to reduce but with limited capacity in the building due to health and safety restrictions, this isn’t possible at the moment. Within The Greenhouse we work to HRA \[The Homeless Reduction Act\] 2018, so if a client is triaged and there is reason to believe that they will be homeless on the day, then we will request temporary or emergency accommodation straight away. We work closely with the temporary accommodation team within Hackney council. We can signpost elsewhere if they are not eligible, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or Streetlink.
**What happens at the appointment?**
A housing officer will complete the assessment; if emergency accommodation is required it can be triggered with the council. The housing officer does all the relevant checks, in terms of ID, records, etc., in order to establish the local connection to Hackney. Any clients applying for supported living or hostel placements need to have been connected to Hackney for three years. If the need isn’t housing related, The Greenhouse can still provide assistance if they have had a connection to Hackney for six months of a twelve month period.
**What is the client group you work with at The Greenhouse?**
Increasingly it is low needs. Historically it has been the case that a lot of people coming through our doors have high or multiple support needs, but really we have an incredibly diverse group of clients. This is due to us being a collaborative project with Hackney council. We are a service for single people experiencing homelessness, so we don’t work with families or people with rent arrears, they would consult Hackney Service Centre, who work to keep clients in their properties.
**What particular challenges have you faced in your project since lockdown?**
Similar to other projects, we have moved to a completely remote service, with staff working from home and contacting people over the phone. In terms of space we are very small, so we could only meet with two clients at a time due to the size of our premises, but we now know we can offer the service well over the phone and work with more people. However the human face-to-face impact is a big part of what we do, from understanding body language to the personal touch of being in the same room as a client; all of which is very important to both clients and staff. Without these interactions we are unable to have people come to the service with their ID documents, so they are being emailed over instead, which has slowed things down.
Working with people remotely has been a positive learning curve. When things go back to normal, there are still clients we want to work with over the phone. For example people coming to us from the justice system can start working with us weeks before their release date if we have that level of contact.
**What part of The Greenhouse’s recent work are you most proud of?**
We have been able to house a lot of people in hostels with various needs, such as substance and alcohol dependency, mental and physical health support needs, and a lot of people into the private rented sector. We are learning from the work we’ve done well, and developing this so we can help more people into their own accommodation.
**How does The Greenhouse work collaboratively?**
Our work wouldn’t be possible without our strong connections in the community and within Thames Reach; internally we work with Hackney SORT, who do outreach working with people who have been rough sleeping in the borough. They often bring them to The Greenhouse to be assessed. We also work with TST (Tenancy Sustainment Teams) for information about tenancies. We have our own liaison officer at Homerton Hospital; he will do triage for any client due to be discharged from the hospital. Risk assessments and referrals will be done there too.
**Looking to the future, what does your project need to continue providing the best support?**
As with many other projects similar to ours, more resources would always be good. We are, in due course, looking to recruit volunteers to help with project work. As I said, we have good relationships with external organisations but we can always build on them and make them stronger. This includes drug and alcohol services, mental health agencies, and other various charity organisations in Hackney like the food banks, social services, occupational therapy and housing supply teams.
**Categories:** Blog
**Tags:** coronavirus, greenhouse, hackney, housing, lockdown, Prevention
---
### [Emergency accommodation given to vulnerable people at Heathrow Airport](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2020/04/05/heathrow-update/)
**Published:** April 5, 2020
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Thames Reach's multi-agency work supporting people rough sleeping in Heathrow has proved a success in recent days
**Content:**
Thames Reach have been providing outreach services at Heathrow Airport for several years, and recently with increased measures needed to ensure people who are rough sleeping are kept safe and able to self-isolate during COVID-19, we have been working on-site to find temporary accommodation for people sleeping rough in Heathrow Terminals 2-5 as well as the bus station. This has been a collaborative effort between Thames Reach and partner organisations including Heathrow Travelcare, social services and local authorities. Starting early on Wednesday 1 April, we have seen a real commitment to ensuring people who have been rough sleeping are cared for sensitively and effectively. Over three days, this impressive operation has seen a limited number of staff working in a complicated environment with a range of needs catered to, including complex needs, resulting in over 160 people being successfully given accommodation in this short space of time, an unprecedented effort.
Accommodation setups vary from hotel rooms, including some at the Thames Reach-run hotel in south-west London, to self-contained flats for those with COVID-19 symptoms, and extra provisions for people with pets. These are safe, positive spaces where individuals are able to spend time in clean, contained settings with food provided, in order to protect their immune systems from the risk of the virus.
Hotels are based in local authorities across the city, from Wandsworth to Ilford via the City, which are being staffed by various providers including Thames Reach. This is a thoroughly collaborative project, and we are working with organisations including St Mungo’s and Look Ahead to ensure the needs of each individual are met.
Having worked day and night at Heathrow, we are incredibly relieved to have been able to accommodate such a large number of people off the streets but our work is not done. We will be liaising with central and local government as well as our partners to ensure that those we have managed to temporarily re-house are not left behind once the quarantine is lifted.
Getting people into accommodation is a first step, but we need to make sure that we are able to help them take the next step away from homelessness and into stable and suitable accommodation. This story will progress and we will be releasing updates accordingly.
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** coronavirus, COVID-19, government, heathrow, homeless, homelessness, Rough sleeping, Statement
---
### [A statement on COVID-19](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2020/03/18/statement-covid-19/)
**Published:** March 18, 2020
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** A statement from Thames Reach on COVID-19 and our current response to the situation, as well as an open letter to the government, co-signed by Chief Executive Bill Tidnam
**Content:**
**18 March 2020**
At Thames Reach, we are closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 in order to best ensure the health and wellbeing of the homeless and vulnerable people we work with, as well as of our staff, volunteers, and the wider public. We are following advice issued by Public Health England and continuing conversations with commissioners, local providers, and health services so we can use the resources we have wisely, and to ensure that we are able to respond to this rapidly changing situation.
Our outreach teams work 365 days of the year, and we continue to go out to find people who are sleeping rough, offering them the support they need to get off the streets. These teams are advised to follow guidance provided by Public Health England with regard to people sleeping rough who are displaying coronavirus symptoms, and we are calling upon local authorities to provide environments where individuals can safely and securely self-isolate.
On behalf of Thames Reach, our Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, has co-signed a letter to the government, along with senior figures from across the homelessness sector, outlining a set of measures that we believe will help protect homeless and vulnerable people during this ongoing crisis. This outline includes the request that homeless people should be allocated self-contained accommodation with sufficient resources with which to self-isolate. People who are rough sleeping are three times more likely to suffer with chronic illnesses including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and so must be supported as a matter of urgency.
The open letter can be read below, which we have signed with Crisis, Homeless Link, St Mungo’s, Centrepoint, The Passage, Groundswell, Shelter Cymru, Homeless Network Scotland and Connection at St Martin’s.
Thank you for your ongoing support during this challenging time.
Dear Prime Minister,
As Chief Executives of leading homelessness charities, we appreciate the significant pressure the Government is facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and stand ready to lend our support as you set out plans to help protect the most vulnerable in our society, including people who are facing homelessness.
People experiencing homelessness, particularly those who are rough sleeping, are especially vulnerable in this outbreak. They are three times more likely to experience a chronic health condition including asthma and COPD. It is therefore vital that they are recognised as a vulnerable group for the purposes of government planning.
We note the publication of Public Health England’s information on COVID-19 for hostel or day centre providers of services for people experiencing rough sleeping. We are concerned that these measures however, fail to provide the much more comprehensive plan and wide-ranging action needed to ensure that everyone facing homelessness is provided with self-contained accommodation, to ensure that they can self-isolate, and that people experiencing financial hardship are not left facing homelessness as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
Please find enclosed a [full set of measures](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Policy-recommendations-homelessness-and-COVID-19.pdf) that we believe will help ensure people facing homelessness are protected during this period.
As a matter of urgency, we are calling on governments to set out a plan, which will include detail on:
• Assistance from the Government to secure hotel style accommodation to meet the increased need for self-contained accommodation so that people can self-isolate.
• The removal of legal barriers in the homelessness legislation so that anyone who is at risk of, or is already homeless, can access self-contained accommodation. This should also include a suspension of rules that prevent people with no recourse to public funds from accessing housing and homelessness assistance.
• The provision of additional financial support through the Universal Credit system to ensure that people are not pushed into homelessness.
• Protecting renters from evictions by temporarily suspending the use of Section 21 and Section 8 evictions.
• Increasing the fund for Discretionary Housing Payments to help renters facing homelessness.
• Measures to ensure that people sleeping rough and living in hostels and shelter accommodation have rapid access to testing for the virus and healthcare assistance.
• An assurance that frontline workers in homelessness organisations are recognised as an emergency service as part of the response to COVID-19.
• A ringfenced proportion of the £5bn fund announced in the Budget last week to fight COVID-19 for local authorities to help deliver these measures.
In light of the speed of recent developments, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss with you and your officials as a matter of urgency how we can help to deliver this plan.
Yours sincerely,
Jon Sparkes, Crisis
Rick Henderson, Homeless Link
Howard Sinclair, St Mungo’s
Seyi Obakin, Centrepoint
Mick Clarke, The Passage
Steven Platts, Groundswell
John Puzey, Shelter Cymru
Margaret-Ann Brünjes, Homeless Network Scotland
Pam Orchard, Connection at St Martin’s
Bill Tidnam, Thames Reach
cc. Rt. Hon. Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Rt Hon. Mark Drakeford AM, Rt Hon. Matt Hancock MP
**Categories:** News
**Tags:** coronavirus, COVID-19, government, homeless, homelessness, Open Letter, Rough sleeping, Statement
---
### [Ricky's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2019/11/25/rickys-story/)
**Published:** November 25, 2019
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** After being helped off the streets, Ricky quickly received a flat of his own through Croydon Housing First
**Content:**
Ricky looks around the room, taking it all in. Slowly, he spreads his arms: “I’ve got my own house, my own kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, the living room you’re sitting in now.”
He stands up, and walks into the next room where a tent lies folded in the corner. “I slept in this tent every night when I was on the streets. Now, look around, I’ve got a place of my own.”
### Losing his brother and sleeping rough
Ricky spent two months sleeping rough after his brother died from an overdose, a traumatic experience that also left him with nowhere to live.
“I found him dead. I was devastated. I was in a terrible place,” he says.
“I was moving around when I was sleeping rough to keep myself safe. You get beaten up. I’m very vulnerable as a person.”
He had been staying in Croydon and approached the council but, as he had no connection to the local area, he was unable to get any help.
Thames Reach outreach workers found Ricky bedded down and were able to help him into temporary accommodation. He was also put in touch with health services to get treatment for his alcohol use.
### Housing First
At this stage, Ricky expected a long stay in temporary housing, but he was referred to our new [Croydon Housing First](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/recovery/accommodation/croydon-housing-first/) team, which helps people experiencing homelessness into a flat of their own immediately.
This service helps people to quickly become independent again, rather than spending long periods in hostels or temporary accommodation. The team also helps with access to healthcare, benefits and training opportunities.
The Housing First team worked with the council, advocated for Ricky, and were able to secure him a flat.
“I was told that I had a viewing, a chance to get my own place,” Ricky says. “I was shocked it had come so quickly. I assumed it would be a private rented flat so I couldn’t believe it was through the council. I wanted it so much that I came to just look at it from the street in the days before the viewing.”
### Enjoying his new home
Ricky returns to his seat by the window where the afternoon sun pours in. He’s now been in his flat for six months, and is continuing to access support to help him during his recovery.
“Coming off the streets has involved a bit of re-adaptation,” he says. “I’m paying the rent and making use of the help I’ve been offered. When you go from the streets to having to do things like paying bills again it can be difficult. If I want help I will ring up and ask. I know I will always get it.”
Ricky is now thinking about the future, and wants to start training courses to rebuild his confidence and eventually find work. “I used to be an English teacher, and I know French. Maybe I could do something with that,” he says.
He looks around his flat again. “I love this place and I’m so grateful for it. I’ve got a nice view out of the window. I’ve got a nice parquet floor. They wanted to rip that up but I said hell no.”
**You can help people like Ricky to find a new home by [donating to Thames Reach today](/enthuselink).**
**Categories:** Real-life stories
**Tags:** Croydon, Flat, homeless, homelessness, Housing First, Rough sleeping, Tenancy
---
## Pages
### [We're here to end rough sleeping in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/)
**Published:** July 16, 2024
**Author:** timboreader
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Let's end rough sleeping together
Thames Reach works 365 nights a year to get people off the streets as quickly as possible. But we need your help.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lets-end-rough-sleeping-together/)
## We are Thames Reach – we’re here to end rough sleeping in London.
Thames Reach is a leading London homeless charity supporting vulnerable people across the capital. Whatever their background or situation, we're here to help those facing homelessness in London.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-mission/)
## Get involved
Run a marathon or half marathon and help end rough sleeping. We can help you get a place for some of the UK's biggest events.
[Sign up today](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/challenge-events/)
## Latest news
[View all news ](/news)
#### [Eastbourne and Lewes pilot concludes with full caseload housed ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/09/08/eastbourne-and-lewes-pilot-concludes-with-full-caseload-housed/)
- [Blog](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/blog/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/09/08/eastbourne-and-lewes-pilot-concludes-with-full-caseload-housed/)
#### [BBC Interview: Helping people off the streets during heatwaves](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/helping-people-off-the-streets-during-heatwaves-bbc-interview/)
- [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/news/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/helping-people-off-the-streets-during-heatwaves-bbc-interview/)
#### [Prime Minister announces next steps to end rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/prime-minister-announces-next-steps-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
- [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/news/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/prime-minister-announces-next-steps-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
#### [From volunteering to a career in care: Nasrin’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/28/from-volunteering-to-a-career/)
- [Real-life stories](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/real-life-stories/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/28/from-volunteering-to-a-career/)
## Start your new career today
Thames Reach is ranked Very Good by Best Companies to Work For. Join us today and help end rough sleeping in London.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/careers/)
## Support us today
### Donate now
Your donation will help us support people into a life off the streets.
[Donate](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/donate/)
### Volunteer with us
Volunteer your time and expertise with us today.
[Volunteer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
### Fundraise for us
Organise a fundraising event, or take on a challenge, to help end rough sleeping.
[Fundraise](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/)
---
### [Gifts in wills](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/donate/legacies/)
**Published:** November 4, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Gifts in Wills
By leaving a gift in your will to Thames Reach, you can help people leave homelessness behind for good. We believe everyone deserves a home, support and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. You can help us continue our work to end homelessness and support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
"We are really pleased that our dad's legacy, will be making a real difference with helping you to support your clients in incredibly difficult circumstances." – Duncan, Cathy and Christy
## What you need to know about leaving a gift
- #### Why leave a gift in your will?
Legacy gifts are vital in helping us plan for the future.
Even a small percentage of your estate can make a big impact.
Your gift will ensure that long after you’re gone, people experiencing homelessness can rebuild their lives.
- #### How your gift will help
Your legacy could:
- Provide a safe place to sleep for someone rough sleeping.
- Fund outreach teams working directly on the streets.
- Support people to overcome mental health and substance use issues.
- Help individuals into employment and independent living.
- #### What kind of gift can I leave?
- A share of your estate (a residuary gift): After other gifts and expenses, you can leave a percentage of what’s left.
- A specific amount (a pecuniary gift): A fixed sum of money.
- A specific item such as property, shares or valuables.
### We’re here to help
If you’d like to speak with someone in confidence about leaving a legacy, please contact:
**Dina Jobson**
**Email: **
**How to leave a gift in your will**
Leaving a gift of any size will provide hope for people rebuilding their lives. To leave a legacy to Thames Reach, you just need our details below.
**Thames Reach
29 Peckham Road,
London
SE5 8UA**
**Registered charity number: 1166311**
**Our promise to you**
We’ll always treat your wishes with care and respect.
You’re under no obligation to let us know if you’ve left a gift.
Any information you share with us will remain confidential.
**Thank you.** By choosing to leave a gift to Thames Reach, you’re helping ensure a future where everyone has a place to call home.
---
### [Challenge Events](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/challenge-events/)
**Published:** May 7, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** The marathons and events you take part in and organise will help us end rough sleeping in London.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Challenge Events
The marathons and events you take part in and organise will help us end rough sleeping in London.
## Event listings
### Tough Mudder – South London 5K
19 September 2026
[Register today](https://runforcharity.com/charity-registration/thames-reach/tough-mudder-london-south-5k-saturday/register)
### Shoreditch Half
26 September 2026
[Register today](https://runforcharity.com/charity-registration/thames-reach/saucony-run-shoreditch---half-marathon/register)
### Victoria Park Half
3 October 2026
[Register today](https://runforcharity.com/charity-registration/thames-reach/victoria-park-half-10k---october/register)
### London Landmarks Half Marathon
4 April 2027
[Sold out!](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/challenge-events/)
### Brighton Marathon
4 April 2027
[Register today](https://runforcharity.com/charity-registration/thames-reach/the-brighton-marathon/register)
### Paris Marathon
11 April 2027
[Express your interest](mailto:fundraising@thamesreach.org.uk)
### London Marathon
24-25 April 2027
[Express your interest](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-tUUkiKkIbwiOshGzYz274uQmxYt28257e3bZ3GSPd0a9dQ/viewform)
### Hackney Half
16 May 2027
[Register today](https://runforcharity.com/charity-registration/thames-reach/hoka-hackney-half/register)
### Edinburgh Marathon
30 May 2027
[Register today](https://runforcharity.com/charity-registration/thames-reach/edinburgh-marathon---edinburgh-running-festival/register)
## Get in touch and fundraise for us
Speak to our fundraising team about race or event opportunities
[Get in touch today](mailto:fundraising@thamesreach.org.uk)
### Running the London Marathon for Thames Reach
Two dedicated Thames Reach supporters took part in the 2026 London Marathon and raised over £4,000 to help people move away from homelessness. Hear about how they got on and get inspired.
[Learn more and get inspired](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/04/30/running-the-london-marathon-for-thames-reach/)
### Thames Reach walk the London Walk 2026
This March, Thames Reach employees, [supporters](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/) and [corporate partners](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/corporate-support/) came together for the [London Walk](https://thamesreach.org.uk/london-walk-2026/), raising funds to support people facing homelessness. Learn more and get inspired.
[Learn more and get inspired](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/03/24/thames-reach-takes-the-london-walk-2026/)
---
## With your support, we can end rough sleeping in London.
Your donation will go towards helping those forced to sleep on the streets.
[Let’s end rough sleeping together](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
---
### [Our people](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Our people
Meet the Thames Reach board and senior management team.
### Bill Tidnam
Chief Executive
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/bill-tidnam/)
### Kris Draper
Director of Services
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/kris-draper/)
### Lee Lochab
Director of Finance and Central Services
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/lee-lochab/)
### Stephen Howard
Chair of the Board of Trustees
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/stephen-howard/)
### Sir Ken Olisa OBE
Honorary President
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/sir-ken-olisa/)
### Muhammad Baqa
Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/muhammad-baqa/)
### Georgina Thompson
Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/georgina-thompson/)
### Michael Scorer
Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/michael-scorer/)
### Sue Ramsden
Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/sue-ramsden/)
### Sophie Wakelin
Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/sophie-wakelin/)
### Michelle Parczuk
Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/michelle-parczuk/)
### Rahul Daniel
Board Member
[Rahul Daniel](https://thamesreach.org.uk/rahul-daniel/)
### Irmani Smallwood
Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/irmani-smallwood/)
### Graham Drummond
Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/graham-drummond/)
### Becca Taber
Board Member
[Becca Taber](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/becca-taber/)
### Peter Fisher
Chair, Thames Reach Housing Board of Trustees
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/peter-fisher/)
### Deanna Coe
Thames Reach Housing Board Member
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/deanna-coe/)
### Our vision and mission
More about us
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-mission/)
---
### [Deanna Coe](https://thamesreach.org.uk/deanna-coe/)
**Published:** August 10, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Thames Reach Housing Board Member
Deanna is a legally trained professional working in homelessness and supported housing at One YMCA, where she supports governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, asset oversight and data protection.
With frontline housing law experience from the University of Sussex Housing Law Clinic, she brings legal, regulatory and digital skills, alongside a strong commitment to safe, high-quality housing and Thames Reach’s mission to end rough sleeping. .
---
### [Corporate partnerships](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/corporate-partnerships/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** We believe that successful corporate partnerships can help us in ending rough sleeping.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Corporate partnerships
We collaborate with corporate partners who share our vision of ending rough sleeping for good. Together, we’ll create meaningful opportunities for your people while transforming lives across London.
[Contact our Corporate Partnerships team](mailto:fundraising@thamesreach.org.uk)
We'll work with you to build a partnership that aligns with your goals, engages your people and delivers lasting impact. Whether through fundraising, volunteering or pro bono support, we'll create opportunities that benefit your business while changing lives across London.
[Contact us today](mailto:fundraising@thamesreach.org.uk)
## How you can get involved
### Engage your people
Bring your team together through rewarding volunteering opportunities
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/engage-your-people/)
### Share your expertise
Use your professional expertise to strengthen our services and create a lasting impact
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/share-your-expertise/)
### Raise vital funds
Sign up to a marathon or half-marathon and raise vital funds to end rough sleeping
[Sign up today](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/challenge-events/)
## Where we operate across London
## Our partners
---
### [Share your expertise](https://thamesreach.org.uk/share-your-expertise/)
**Published:** August 4, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
By sharing your expertise, even a short pro bono volunteering session can have a lasting impact. As a skills-based volunteer, you’ll collaborate directly with our service managers, helping us strengthen our services while saving valuable resources.
We’ve partnered with law firm Bevan Brittan, whose expert legal advice in areas like housing law and tenancy rights has freed up our resources and ensured our clients receive the best possible support.
In return, colleagues gained a deeper understanding of the challenges people facing homelessness experience, giving them greater purpose and perspective in their work.
Most recently, Bevan Brittan colleagues delivered a webinar on the Renters’ Rights Bill. By equipping our colleagues with up-to-date legal knowledge, Bevan Brittan has helped strengthen our services and improve our ability to help people sustain their tenancies, preventing homelessness before it happens.
As one of our prevention case workers said: “The session gave me much more confidence in advising clients at risk. I’m now able to provide more tailored, effective support, improving people’s chances of keeping their home.”
We'll work with you to build a partnership that aligns with your goals, engages your people and delivers lasting impact. Whether through fundraising, volunteering or pro bono support, we'll create opportunities that benefit your business while changing lives across London.
[Contact us today](mailto:fundraising@thamesreach.org.uk)
---
### [Engage your people](https://thamesreach.org.uk/engage-your-people/)
**Published:** August 4, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
Our volunteering opportunities give employees the chance to see our work first-hand, develop new skills and strengthen teamwork while making a direct difference to people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.
Man Group, a global investment management firm, has transformed the garden at our supported housing project in Greenwich which provides accommodation for vulnerable people, including those with mental health needs. The team spent a day transforming the garden before returning throughout the year to maintain it. Colleagues have also delivered CV workshops, helping residents build confidence and prepare for employment.
Together, these activities help people build the confidence, skills and stability needed to move towards independent lives.
One resident recently remarked: “Thank you so much – I feel more positive about getting into work than I have done for years.”
We'll work with you to build a partnership that aligns with your goals, engages your people and delivers lasting impact. Whether through fundraising, volunteering or pro bono support, we'll create opportunities that benefit your business while changing lives across London.
[Contact us today](mailto:fundraising@thamesreach.org.uk)
---
### [Sir Ken Olisa OBE](https://thamesreach.org.uk/sir-ken-olisa/)
**Published:** July 28, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Honorary President
Sir Ken Olisa is one of the UK’s most prominent business leaders and philanthropists. He built an international career in the technology sector before founding and leading technology-focused merchant banking and investment businesses. He has held senior executive and non-executive positions across a wide range of major public and private organisations, and was the first British-born Black director of a FTSE 100 company. In 2015, he was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, becoming the first British-born Black person to hold the role in its more than 500-year history, and was later knighted for services to business and philanthropy.
Alongside his business achievements, Sir Ken has devoted much of his career to charitable and public service work. First elected to the Board of Thames Reach in 1993, he served as Chair until 2016. He then became our Honorary President and his support for the charity through this role continues to this day. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2010 for services to people experiencing homelessness in London.
---
### [Michelle Parczuk](https://thamesreach.org.uk/michelle-parczuk/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Board Member
Michelle is a global people, organisation and culture leader with extensive executive and board-level experience, most recently as Chief People Officer at Avon Cosmetics, where she was on the Executive team leading the People agenda across 35 countries.
Michelle held senior HR roles across the consumer, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, including Findus Group, PepsiCo, Sanofi Aventis and Ford Motor Company. Her expertise includes organisational design, transformation, talent, leadership development, employee engagement, communications and culture.
---
### [Rahul Daniel](https://thamesreach.org.uk/rahul-daniel/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Board Member
Rahul is a senior strategy and finance leader with over 18 years’ experience in investment banking and strategy consulting across Europe, North America and Asia. He has advised boards, senior executives and private equity clients on M&A, strategy, capital raising and financial planning. Most recently, Rahul led Barclays’ Retail Investment Banking coverage across EMEA, where he worked with listed and private equity-backed businesses across retail, e-commerce and consumer-facing technology sectors.
He also held roles at RBC Capital Markets, Citigroup, Kurt Salmon Associates, and holds an MBA from Cornell University.
---
### [Sophie Wakelin](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/sophie-wakelin/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### **Board Member**
Sophie is a senior leader with over 20 years’ international experience in the energy sector, including roles at Shell in multiple countries across operations, safety and sustainability. She has led complex, regulated businesses with responsibility for performance, governance and organisational change.
She also brings expertise in operational oversight, risk and assurance, alongside experience as a leadership coach.
---
### [Feedback and complaints](https://thamesreach.org.uk/feedback-and-complaints/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
## Feedback and complaints
We aim for everything we do to be consistent with [our values](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-mission/), but acknowledge that we don’t always get everything right. We see feedback and complaints as opportunities to improve services.
For general feedback and complaints please contact
You can also speak to someone in the team that is supporting you, you can phone **020 3617 6070** or write to us at the **Employment Academy, 29 Peckham Road, Camberwell, London SE5 8UA**.
For fundraising complaints, please visit our [fundraising complaints](https://thamesreach.org.uk/fundraising-complaints/) page.
You can read more about our complaints process in this [leaflet](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ClientLeaflet-Complaints-June2024.pdf). You can also read our full [complaints policy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ComplaintsPolicy.pdf).
There is a [separate leaflet for residents of our Robertson Street hostel](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ClientLeaflet-Complaints-RobertsonStreet-July2026.pdf), where Thames Reach Housing is the landlord.
**The Housing Ombudsman**
Thames Reach is a member of the Housing Ombudsman’s Scheme and complies with their complaint handling code, updated in April 2024. The code represents best practice in complaint handling. [Read our annual complaint handling and service improvement report 2025-26](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2025-26AnnualComplaintHandlingServiceImprovementReport.pdf), which includes our self-assessment against the code.
Residents at Robertson Street hostel, where Thames Reach Housing is the landlord, can contact the Housing Ombudsman if the Thames Reach complaint process has been completed and the issues have not been resolved or if we are not responding to a complaint you have made to us. [Find out more about contacting the Housing Ombudsman.](https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/residents/)
---
### [Our commitment to non-UK nationals experiencing homelessness ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/our-commitment-to-non-uk-nationals-experiencing-homelessness/)
**Published:** February 12, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
Currently around half the people recorded as sleeping rough in London are ‘non-UK nationals’. While many will have Leave to Remain or EU settled status, and be entitled to claim benefits and other state support, some will not, and as a result they may have limited or no recourse to public funds which affects their entitlement to benefits and other public services. Thames Reach will continue to work with people to help them away from street homelessness, regardless of where they come from, and their immigration status.
Thames Reach will not normally withdraw a service from individuals because they do not have recourse to public funds. However, most of our residential services require residents to pay rent and service charge, the majority of which is normally paid through benefits, and non-payment of these charges will jeopardise the future of the service. This means that we cannot routinely provide accommodation to people without recourse in these services.
In the case of people who do not have recourse to public funds who are rough sleeping or who are at immediate risk of doing so, we will seek to provide accurate advice, assistance and support, including advice and support around employment. We recognise that in many cases this support will include referral to a qualified specialist provider of immigration legal advice, as at Thames Reach we are not qualified to provide this advice ourselves.
Where users of residential services are responsible for rent and charges, they will be asked to demonstrate how they will be able to pay before they move in.
We will continue to advocate for a range of emergency provisions that will allow people who are sleeping rough, who do not have the means to pay for accommodation, access to short-term shelter that will allow sufficient time to more effectively resolve their homelessness.
This short-term accommodation could be specialist shelter accommodation, safe spaces in existing hostels, or other appropriate settings. Access to this accommodation is limited and we will prioritise access on the basis of need and risk in conjunction with commissioning authorities.
During their time in this short-term accommodation, we can also provide support from different teams within Thames Reach and our partners, whether this is to resolve immigration status, find employment, or voluntarily reconnect to an appropriate country.
Where people who are living in Thames Reach-managed accommodation lose entitlement to support through public funds they will normally begin to accrue arrears. When this occurs, managers are asked to look at each case on its own merits, looking particularly at the vulnerability and needs of the individual. Options should include the use of local authority support, advice and support to access more appropriate accommodation, and referrals to specialist agencies and other charities, and welfare funding to support these courses of action.
Thames Reach are committed to providing support to non-UK nationals facing street homelessness in London. We will continue to publicly highlight particular challenges faced by vulnerable people and those experiencing homelessness, who do not have recourse to public funds.
---
### [Let's end rough sleeping together](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lets-end-rough-sleeping-together/)
**Published:** March 20, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Nobody should end up on the streets. Thames Reach is out on London’s streets every day and night – supporting people across the capital to escape rough sleeping for good.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Let's end rough sleeping together
Nobody should end up on the streets. Thames Reach is out on London’s streets every day and night – supporting people across the capital to escape rough sleeping for good.
[Make a donation today](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
---
### Dale knows what it's like.
“I came back once and someone had stolen all my bedding. I pulled a rug out of the bin and rolled myself up in it to sleep.” “I’d sleep in boxes or just on the ground. You’re always looking over your shoulder, never fully safe.”
[Learn more about Dale’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/11/17/dales-story/)
[Make a donation today](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
### Get involved
There are so many different ways to get involved and help us to end rough sleeping in London. Whether you’re interested in hosting your own fundraiser, or you’re taking part in a run or race, our team are here to support you every step of the way.
Every pound you raise will help us get more people off the streets.
[Get involved today](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/)
---
## With your support, we can end rough sleeping in London.
Your donation will go towards helping those forced to sleep on the streets.
[Let’s end rough sleeping together](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
---
### [Peter Fisher](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/peter-fisher/)
**Published:** September 27, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Chair, Thames Reach Housing of Board Trustees
Peter undertook his training as a solicitor in-house at a not-for-profit, before moving into the social housing sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted to him the importance of making sure everyone has a safe place to call home. He has supported registered providers with achieving and maintaining high standards of governance and financial viability through roles as Company Secretary and Head of Governance.
He is currently the Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance for One YMCA – an ambitious charity, developing and providing supported housing in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
---
### [Sue Ramsden](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/sue-ramsden/)
**Published:** September 27, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Thames Reach Board Member
Sue has a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to supported housing, regulation, governance, value for money, development and housing management issues. She began her housing career in housing management for a large city council and saw how difficult it was for some people to manage a tenancy. Sue is passionate about the importance of investment in social housing, alongside appropriate support for people.
As Policy Leader at the National Housing Federation, her current focus is to represent NHF members in the design of the new system of oversight for supported housing under the new Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act.
---
### [Support us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/)
**Published:** July 24, 2024
**Author:** timboreader
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Together, we can end rough sleeping
Nobody should lose their home because they’re ill or struggling. Nobody should end up on the streets. Together we can stop this injustice. Thames Reach is out on London’s streets every day and night – supporting people across the capital to escape rough sleeping for good. But we need your help.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
## Support us today
### Donate now
Your donation will help us support people into a life off the streets.
[Donate](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/donate/)
### Volunteer with us
Volunteer your time and expertise with us today.
[Volunteer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
### Fundraise for us
Organise a fundraising event, or take on a challenge, to help end rough sleeping.
[Fundraise](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/)
### Ivo's story
‘I’m feeling really well now, 50% better. Living with strangers was difficult on top of feeling unwell at the time. I need space and quiet in order to feel mentally well and this flat has really helped me with that so much.’
Since moving into his own flat, Ivo has seen a huge improvement in his mental health, taking real steps forward on his path to recovery.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/09/ivos-story/)
### Corporate partnerships
We collaborate with partners who share our vision of ending rough sleeping for good. By blending your passion and creativity with our expertise, together we can create lasting, meaningful change. We will work closely with you to develop a partnership that aligns with your goals, engages your employees and makes a tangible impact. Whether through pro bono support, exciting fundraising challenges, or hands-on volunteering, we can tailor a partnership that creates positive change for both your business and our community.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/corporate-partnerships/)
---
### [Fundraise](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** The money you fundraise for Thames Reach will support people when they need it most.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Fundraise for us
The money you fundraise for Thames Reach will support people when they need it most.
## Take part in a challenge event
From marathons to bake sales, get inspired and get in touch
[Challenge Events](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/challenge-events/)
### Get involved
There are so many different ways to get involved – whether you’re hosting your own fundraiser or getting sponsored to join one of our challenge events, our team are here to support you every step of the way.
Every pound you fundraise for Thames Reach will help us get more people off the streets and into independent, fulfilling lives. Sign up for an event today or reach out to our friendly team at – we can’t wait to hear from you!
### Challenge events
From marathons to bake sales, the events you take part in and organise will help us end rough sleeping in London.
[Get involved](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/challenge-events/)
### Get inspired
Learn about the dedicated supporters who ran the 2026 London Marathon
[Get inspired](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/04/30/running-the-london-marathon-for-thames-reach/)
### Corporate support
Get together with colleagues to help people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.
[Partner with us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/corporate-support/)
---
### [London Walk 2026](https://thamesreach.org.uk/london-walk-2026/)
**Published:** October 8, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# London Walk 2026
**\*\*\*The London Walk 2026 is now over, but you can still take part in other walks, races and events for Thames Reach. [Learn more and get in touch today.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/challenge-events/)\*\*\***
The London Walk 2026 is a night walk through the capital, raising funds for charities supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Organised by the London Homeless Collective, the London Walk is the only event of its kind that brings together people dedicated to ending rough sleeping in London.
**Walk with us, enjoy the night time stroll through central London, soak up the vibrance and community spirit, and help us to end rough sleeping in the capital.**
## The London Walk 2026 has already taken place
The London Walk 2026 is now over, but you can still take part in other walks, races and events for Thames Reach. Learn more and get in touch today.
[Learn more and get in touch](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/challenge-events/)
---
### What to expect
You can choose from three distances: [**10k, half marathon, or full marathon**](https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/TheLondonWalk2026).
The walk will take place on the evening of [**Friday, 20 March 2026**, at **7.00pm**](https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/TheLondonWalk2026), with start and finish points by St Martin’s-in-the-Fields near Trafalgar Square. Marshalls will be on hand to guide you on the walk, and refreshments will also be provided.
This will be the third year Thames Reach supporters are taking part, and last year, together, you raised nearly **£6,000** to help people move away from homelessness. With your support, we are hoping to raise even more this year!
**Start & finish times:**
- - **10k:** registration starts at 7.00pm, with the walk commencing at 8.00pm. The approximate finish time is 10.00pm.
- **Half marathon:** registration starts at 8.15pm, with the walk commencing at 9.00pm. The approximate finish time is 1.00am.
- **Marathon:** registration starts at 8.15pm, with the walk commencing at 9.00pm. The approximate finish time is 5.00am.
### Secure your spot today
[**Sign up and secure your spot to walk for Thames Reach today.**](https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/TheLondonWalk2026)
**Please make sure to select Thames Reach as the charity you’re supporting**, and we will be in touch soon with information on how to start your fundraising page.
**The fundraising target depends on the distance you choose:**
- £200 for the 10k.
- £300 for the half marathon.
- £400 for the full marathon.
There’s also a £40 registration fee.
Your support will help us continue our vital work.
### £20 will…
go towards pots and pans to furnish a kitchen in someone’s new home.
### £50 will…
buy a train ticket for someone to visit family for the first time in years.
### £80 will…
go towards a CSCS card to help someone get a job in the construction industry.
---
### [Volunteer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in London? If you believe that rough sleeping shouldn't exist in 2026 we want to hear from you.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Volunteer with us
Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in London? If you believe that rough sleeping shouldn’t exist in 2026 we want to hear from you.
[Volunteer today](https://thames-reach.goassemble.com/opportunities/results)
## Explore our volunteering opportunities
Find the right role for you by viewing our vacancies. We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities in London.
[Volunteer today](https://thames-reach.goassemble.com/opportunities/results)
### Why volunteer with us
At Thames Reach, we believe that nobody should have to sleep rough — and we help those impacted by homelessness through expertise, compassion, and never giving up on people.
Volunteering with us means helping people to make real and lasting change in their lives. It’s not always easy. But it makes a genuine difference.
If you believe that nobody should be sleeping rough, if you believe that people deserve decent homes, supportive relationships, and fulfilling lives, then we want to hear from you.
### What we offer
– Flexible roles to fit your life and schedule.
– Reimbursement of travel expenses and up to £6 per day for lunch.
– Experience, training, and skills to help you in your career.
– Professional references after three months of volunteering.
– Regular support and supervision.
– Access to a range of e-learning courses.
– Wellbeing support – our 24/7 online volunteer assistance.
Volunteering could also be your first step into a career in the homelessness or wider not-for-profit sector.
We manage a range of services, including street outreach service, hostels, specialist supported housing, and employment schemes. You can find out more about our work by visiting the [What We Do](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/) section of our website.
### Diana's story
Diana started volunteering with **Deptford Reach**, a community-based service that supports people affected by or at risk of homelessness, during her university placement. What began as a short-term requirement quickly turned into something much more meaningful.
“I’ve been in service for just a little over a year,” Diana says. “I started through a placement when I was at uni, and that’s where the journey began. It has been brilliant.”
She now volunteers mainly at the food bank, helping people navigate issues related to housing, benefits, and council tax, and signposting those with more complex needs—such as immigration issues—to the right services.
“I support people in different areas,” she explains. “Where we can’t help directly, we point them to the relevant organisations. Whatever I can do, I just have a passion for giving support to those who need it.”
[Read Diana's story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/06/05/volunteering-dianas-story/)
### Corporate volunteering
We collaborate with partners who share our vision of ending rough sleeping for good. By blending your passion and creativity with our expertise, together we can create lasting, meaningful change.
We offer a range of corporate volunteer opportunities in London. These give your employees a chance to develop their skills, grow as a team, and have a direct impact on people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/corporate-support/)
---
### [Our vision and mission](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-mission/)
**Published:** July 24, 2024
**Author:** timboreader
**Excerpt:** We are Thames Reach - and we're here to end rough sleeping in London.
**Content:**
## Our vision
Thames Reach’s vision is of a society where street homelessness is ended and nobody need sleep rough on the streets.
## Our mission
Thames Reach’s mission is to help people who are homeless or vulnerable to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives.
## Our ethos and values
### **What we do:**
**Never giving up on people** We believe that the effects of homelessness and social exclusion are a great injustice and that the road to recovery can often be long and painful. We are committed to never giving up on people, no matter how complex, chaotic and challenging they may be.
**Highest aspirations, expectations and respect for service users** We passionately believe that people can make real and lasting changes in their lives. We have the highest aspirations, expectations and respect for our service users and will never be indifferent to their individual needs.
### **How we do it:**
**Staff: compassion, integrity, professionalism and commitment** Thames Reach’s staff are characterised by their compassion, integrity, professionalism and commitment. In return, unstinting support will be given to staff making decisions in the best interest of service users, trusting in their ability to work autonomously.
**Working together** Everyone at Thames Reach is working to end street homelessness, and all parts of the organisation have important contributions to make. We believe passionately in achieving trust and mutual respect between the different parts of the organisation to accomplish this objective.
**Working in partnership with others** Our aims can only be achieved by working in partnership with others; we know we do not have all the solutions. We generously give time, resources and expertise to others if the ultimate outcome gets us closer to achieving our vision and mission.
**Open-mindedness** We are renowned for our open-mindedness, creativity, flexibility and refusal to allow rigid, dogmatic approaches to reduce effectiveness or inhibit actions.
**We tell it as it is** Our strength lies in knowing what is happening on the ground and we use this knowledge to make an impact at the highest level, especially by giving our service users the chance to speak directly to those with influence and power. We always tell it as it is, presenting information and delivering our messages with integrity and honesty.
### Ginny's story
Before joining Thames Reach’s Southwark Works project, Ginny was in a difficult position. Stuck in a physically draining cleaning job during the pandemic and struggling financially, she knew she needed a change but wasn’t sure where to turn.
Today, Ginny is not only free from the draining job she had previously but also thriving in both roles that align with her passion and skills. “I’ve left cleaning behind and I’m excited about my future,” she said.
Ginny’s story is a good example of how targeted support and resources can enable individuals to make meaningful career changes and improve their overall wellbeing.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/07/31/ginnys-transition-to-fulfilling-work/)
## Support us today
### Donate now
Your donation will help us support people into a life off the streets.
[Donate](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/donate/)
### Volunteer with us
Volunteer your time and expertise with us today.
[Volunteer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
### Fundraise for us
Organise a fundraising event, or take on a challenge, to help end rough sleeping.
[Fundraise](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/)
---
### [About us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/)
**Published:** July 24, 2024
**Author:** timboreader
**Excerpt:** At Thames Reach, we support people in London who are facing or experiencing homelessness. We're here to end rough sleeping in London.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# About us
At Thames Reach, we support people in London who are facing or experiencing homelessness. We’re here to end rough sleeping in London.
## About Thames Reach
### Our vision
Why we’re here and how we work.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-mission/)
### Our people
Meet our Trustees and Senior Management Team.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/)
### Our reach
How we’re making a difference to people’s lives.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-reach/)
### Fixing homelessness isn’t simple.
If it was, we’d have solved it by now.
But there is hope.
At Thames Reach, we know how to reach and support people in London who are facing or experiencing homelessness. And every time our teams help someone keep their home, or get and stay off the streets, we see the difference our work can make.
We believe this is a fight we can win – but we can’t do it alone.
That’s why we don’t stand at the sidelines, telling decision makers what they’re doing wrong. We work with government and local authorities to make things better.
Our team is part of the solution: from our outreach workers who help people on the streets all day – and all night – to our research and reports that helps shape government policy.
Today, Thames Reach runs homelessness services for local authorities in and around London, working with other specialist organisations from mental health to employment advice.
We’re here to get people the support they need, at the right time, for as long as they need us.
#### Together, we can end rough sleeping in London.
---
### [Influencing](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/influencing/)
**Published:** October 16, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** We seek to influence the way that homelessness services are commissioned, delivered and improved.
**Content:**
Thames Reach’s [vision](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-mission/) continues to be a society where rough sleeping has ended. We work towards this goal not just through the delivery of homelessness services and partnering with other individuals and organisations, but also through the way we seek to influence others.
As an experienced provider of frontline homelessness services, we know how to reach and help vulnerable people, and we know what works when it comes to delivering support.
We seek to influence the way that homelessness services for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, are commissioned, delivered and improved. The services that we deliver are important not just for the direct impact they can have on the people we work with, but also because they can provide a model for others.
### Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive, comments on growing figures for rough sleeping in London
In the second quarter of this financial year, July to September 2024, 4,780 people were seen sleeping rough in London by street outreach workers. Before this, the highest number seen in a quarter was across April to June 2020 – the height of lockdown.
To address this, there is a need for lasting solutions over temporary fixes.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/11/05/bill-tidnam-growing-figures-rough-sleeping-in-london/)
## Donate today
With your help, we can work towards our vision of a society where rough sleeping has ended.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
---
### [Hounslow Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/hounslow-reach/)
**Published:** November 5, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Hounslow Reach helps borough residents with their support needs so that they can live more independently.
**Content:**
Hounslow Reach provides advice and support to people in the London Borough of Hounslow.
The service supports Hounslow residents, aged 18 and over, who may have needs such as mental or physical health needs, or learning disabilities.
The service helps people to:
– maintain their accommodation
– develop skills, such as budgeting
– enhance their confidence
– improve their physical and mental wellbeing
– build links in their local community
– live a more fulfilling and independent life
To find out more, or to refer yourself or someone you know, please call 0203 664 9551.
To find out more via email, please contact:
Completed referrals should be emailed to:
For more information on how you can access support in local community locations, [please visit the London Borough of Hounslow website](https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20209/community_hub).
---
### [Tenancy Sustainment Team](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/support/tenancy-sustainment-team/)
**Published:** November 5, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Getting the keys to a new home is a significant moment in anyone’s life, but especially so if you’ve spent time sleeping rough on the streets.
**Content:**
The Tenancy Sustainment Team (TST) at Thames Reach works across South London boroughs, helping people who have experienced rough sleeping to manage the transition away from street or hostel living into more independent accommodation, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
Staff provide tailored support until the individual is able to live more independently, helping them to build confidence, acquire life skills and access training and employment. The key worker then remains available should further help be required. The team also works to improve general health and wellbeing, helping people to maintain relationships and access appropriate health and care services.
In due course and, where appropriate, individuals are helped to move on into more suitable accommodation, such as general needs social housing or private rented sector accommodation.
---
### [The Greenhouse](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/the-greenhouse/)
**Published:** November 5, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** This single community resource offers wide-reaching expert advice and support under one roof.
**Content:**
A single community resource, offering wide-reaching expert advice and support under one roof, can be of enormous benefit. Known as the Single Homeless Hub, the service is the first multi-purpose resource and advice centre for homeless people in London.
Services provided at The Hackney Greenhouse include: full health assessments; GP registration; housing advice; welfare and benefits support; help with access to employment, training, and volunteering; legal advice for people registered at the medical practice; and links to other support services.
Anyone seeking advice can drop in to The Hackney Greenhouse for an appointment. Advice sessions are booked on a first come first served basis, so it is advisable to arrive early.
Opening hours are 9am-5pm, Monday-Tuesday, and Thursday-Friday. There are no appointments available on Wednesdays.
---
### [Support](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/support/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** The all-round support that we offer is the glue that holds together any serious attempt to end rough sleeping.
**Content:**
At Thames Reach, we provide wide-ranging support to individuals as part of our wider strategy to tackle rough sleeping in London.
We provide tenancy support to help identify and resolve issues before they result in someone losing their home. We also deliver services to help people transition away from homelessness to secure, independent housing.
We help people to access preventative health care that they need. We provide training and opportunities to help people find employment. And we help those people with complex needs to better manage interactions with the multiple organisations they may be engaged.
This is our core offer as an organisation, and we’re looking to grow our work in this area, with a focus on preventative work, and on helping people to successfully move away from homelessness, and a reliance on hostels and supported housing.
### Tenancy Sustainment Team
The Tenancy Sustainment Team (TST) at Thames Reach works across South London boroughs, helping people who have experienced rough sleeping to manage the transition away from street or hostel living into more independent accommodation.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/support/tenancy-sustainment-team/)
## Donate today
With your help, we can support even more people affected by homelessness across London
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
---
### [Prevention](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Sleeping rough is a traumatic experience. This is why we are committed to delivering prevention services that stop people from becoming homeless in the first place.
**Content:**
Prevention remains our preferred way to tackle rough sleeping. We provide services that identify people at imminent risk of losing their home, and then work with them to prevent this from happening.
It’s all about stepping in before things reach a point of crisis, rather than waiting until someone is on the streets to intervene.
This work involves providing tenancy support to help people find and maintain secure tenancies, signposting people to the right help, and advocating for well resourced institutional duty to prevent rough sleeping. We want this to apply to housing and support providers, health, criminal justice, immigration, and similar services.
### Hounslow Reach
Hounslow Reach is a prevention service working with people in the London Borough of Hounslow. The project helps residents with support needs so that they can live more independently and avoid any risk of losing their home.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/hounslow-reach/)
### The Greenhouse
At the Greenhouse day centre in Hackney, experts from Thames Reach, Hackney council, and the NHS work alongside one another, providing free healthcare, housing and welfare support for vulnerable people in the borough.
This community resource offers wide-reaching expert advice and support under one roof.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/the-greenhouse/)
## Donate today
Help us to support people at risk of homelessness before they end up on the streets.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
---
### [Work for us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/careers/)
**Published:** July 24, 2024
**Author:** timboreader
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Work for us
Embark on a meaningful career today and help us end rough sleeping in London.
[View our current vacancies](https://thamesreach.ciphr-irecruit.com/Applicants/vacancy)
## Start your new career today
Thames Reach is ranked Very Good by Best Companies to Work For. Join us today and help end rough sleeping in London.
[View our current vacancies](https://thamesreach.ciphr-irecruit.com/Applicants/vacancy)
### What we offer
Thames Reach has been rated as Very Good by the Best Companies to Work For. We encourage people with a history of homelessness to work for us. We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer accreditations, and are committed to reducing our environmental impact.
### Work Life Balance
29 days holiday, plus eight paid bank holidays
Occupational maternity and adoption leave
Sabbaticals
### Health and Wellbeing
Employee assistance programme (EAP)
Reimbursement of the cost of a yearly eye test
Occupational health services
Occupational sickness pay
Life insurance up to four times your salary
Critical illness insurance
Motorbike and bicycle usage allowance
Interest free season ticket loan
Free parking (at some sites)
Reflective practice (in some services)
Mental health first aiders
### Pension
6.5% non-contributory pension with salary sacrifice
### Career Development
Comprehensive learning and development programme
Mentoring programme
Sponsored study for work related qualifications
Progression routes into management
### Volunteering
Our outreach teams work across London every night of the year, helping people off the streets and into somewhere safe. We offer hostel accommodation and provide supported housing to help people recover from homelessness. We also offer employment and training opportunities so that people can find suitable, sustainable work and live more independently.
We’re looking for volunteers to help us deliver these vital services. If you’re interested in volunteering with us, please follow the link below to our list of vacancies.
[Volunteer today](https://thames-reach.goassemble.com/opportunities/results)
### Read our 2025-26 Gender Pay Gap Report
As an organisation, our mean gender pay gap in 2025-26 was -0.9%, meaning that women earned slightly more than men on average.
[Read the report](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GenderPayGapReport-2025-26-23-03-2026-FIN.docx)
---
### [Accommodation and outreach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/accommodation-and-outreach/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** Accommodation and outreach services are vital to ending rough sleeping. Our street outreach services work across London 365 days a year.
**Content:**
Accommodation and street outreach services are vital to ending rough sleeping. Without suitable accommodation options, people affected by rough sleeping face a harder time moving away from the streets for good. What’s worse, those recently moved off the streets are at a far greater risk of returning there.
To work effectively, our accommodation options operate as part of a wider system, with different offerings best suited to different people at different points, and depending on an individual’s own support needs.
We provide a range of accommodation as part of this wider support system. This includes assessment centres to appraise people’s needs as soon as they are helped off the streets, and to then identify the most suitable next steps. It also includes high support housing, which responds to those in urgent need. And we also provide access to secure, long term housing, where people can fully regain their independence and move away from homelessness for good.
We know that sleeping on the streets is harmful, and that the longer people stay there, the more difficult it can be for them to rebuild their lives. Our street outreach services work across London 365 days a year, supporting people to move off the streets and into secure accommodation where their needs can be met.
### Assessing people's needs quickly
Once our street outreach services have helped people off the streets, our assessment centres have a vital role to play in helping individuals to make sure they’re able to stay off the streets for good.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/11/05/assessing-peoples-needs-quickly/)
## Donate today
With your help, we can help even more people to escape the streets for good.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
---
### [What we do](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/)
**Published:** July 24, 2024
**Author:** timboreader
**Excerpt:** Learn about the homelessness services we run at Thames Reach as we work to end rough sleeping in London.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# What we do
At Thames Reach, we know how to reach and support people in London who are facing or experiencing homelessness. Learn about the services we run at Thames Reach as we work to end rough sleeping in London.
## Last year, we helped 15,000 people across London.
Our team is part of the solution: from our outreach workers who help people on the streets all day – and all night – to our research and reports that helps shape government policy. We run homelessness services for local authorities in and around London, working with other specialist organisations from mental health to employment advice. We make sure that people get the support they need to leave homelessness behind.
[Support us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/)
#### Accommodation and outreach
Accommodation and outreach services are vital to ending rough sleeping. Our street outreach services work across London 365 days a year.
[More about Accommodation and outreach ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/accommodation-and-outreach/)
#### Influencing
We seek to influence the way that homelessness services are commissioned, delivered and improved.
[More about Influencing ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/influencing/)
#### Prevention
Sleeping rough is a traumatic experience. This is why we are committed to delivering prevention services that stop people from becoming homeless in the first place.
[More about Prevention ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/prevention/)
#### Support
The all-round support that we offer is the glue that holds together any serious attempt to end rough sleeping.
[More about Support ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/support/)
### Graham's story
Graham’s life took a difficult turn due to addiction and mental health challenges, leading him to disconnect from his family and endure eight years of homelessness.
He was referred to Thames Reach Greenwich, our residential service based in the London Borough of Greenwich. This specialised service provides support for people with experience of homelessness who have been through the criminal justice system, or who have drug and alcohol support needs.
Read more about how Graham found the support he needed to get his life back on track.
[Learn more](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2024/10/04/grahams-story/)
---
### [Publications](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/publications/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Publications
At Thames Reach, we know how to reach and support people in London who are facing or experiencing homelessness. And every time our teams help someone keep their home, or get and stay off the streets, we see the difference our work can make. Learn more by reading our latest Business Plan or Annual Review.
### Marco's story
Last year, Marco moved into his new flat, marking the end of a challenging period in his life. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the company Marco worked for went into liquidation. He not only lost his job but his home and most of his possessions. After a period of sofa surfing, he ended up sleeping rough on the streets around Waterloo.
Eventually, Marco was picked up by outreach workers. At this point, he met support worker Seb, who works for our PLACE team (Pan-London Accommodation & Community Engagement). Seb has supported Marco right through his journey, from coming off the street, helping him to access support services, right through to having a home of his own again.
Publications
#### Annual Review 24-25
Our annual review covering the year 2024-25
[ Download](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Annual-Review-24-25-Digital-Final-compressed.pdf)
Publications
#### Annual Review 23-24
Our annual review covering the year 2023-24
[ Download](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Annual-Review-23-24-Final-Digital.pdf)
Publications
#### Annual Review 22-23
Our annual review covering the year 2022-23
[ Download](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Annual-Review-22-23-Final.pdf)
Publications
#### Business Plan 25-28
Business Plan 25-28
[ Download](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Business-Plan-25-28-Final_Digital.pdf)
Publications
#### Thames Reach Charity Report and Accounts 2023-24
Financial Statements 2023-24
[ Download](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Thames-Reach-Charity-Report-and-Accounts-2023-24.pdf)
Publications
#### Thames Reach Charity Report and Accounts 2024-25
Financial Statements 2024-25
[ Download](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Thames-Reach-signed-financial-statements-2025.pdf)
---
### [Donate](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/donate/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Donate to Thames Reach today
We are a leading London homeless charity helping people across the capital facing homelessness. We don’t give up on anyone. And we know that – with the right support – people can move on. Homelessness doesn’t limit what someone can do in future. Together, we can end rough sleeping in London. Please donate to Thames Reach today.
[Donate now](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
## Ways to help
### Make a donation
Donate to Thames Reach to help someone recover from rough sleeping.
[Make a one-off donation](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
### Give monthly
Set up a monthly donation to help end rough sleeping in London.
[Set up a regular donation](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
### Fundraise for us
Organise a fundraising event, or take on a challenge, to help end rough sleeping.
[Fundraise for us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/)
### £20 will…
go towards pots and pans to furnish a kitchen in someone’s new home.
### £50 will…
buy a train ticket for someone to visit family for the first time in years.
### £80 will…
go towards a CSCS card to help someone get a job in the construction industry.
### Our vision and mission
We are a London homeless charity dedicated to ending rough sleeping in London
Our vision is of a society where homelessness is ended and nobody need sleep rough on the streets.
Our mission is to help people who are homeless or vulnerable to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives.
Learn more about what we do and how we do it.
[Our vision and mission](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-vision-and-mission/)
### Our impact
Read our 2024-2025 annual review, which looks at the positive impact our work has had on the lives of people using our services, as well as providing information on what we’re doing to better support vulnerable people across London.
[Read our Annual Review](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Annual-Review-24-25-Digital-Final-compressed.pdf)
---
### [Contact us](https://thamesreach.org.uk/contact-us/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Contact us
If you have any enquiries you can contact Thames Reach via the form below and we will get back to you.
- #### I would like to donate or fundraise
You can donate and directly supported our work by [visiting our donation page](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1).
If you would like to get in touch with us about a fundraising opportunity. Please email:
- #### I am currently homeless or at risk of losing my home in London
If you’re currently sleeping rough, or know of somebody who is, then please [visit StreetLink](https://thestreetlink.org.uk/).
If you’re looking for emergency housing advice, please call the free [Shelter Emergency Helpline](https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/helpline).
You can find a comprehensive list of various homelessness services via the search function on the [Homeless England](https://homeless.org.uk/homeless-england/) website.
You can also search for services by borough, along with finding contact information for your local authority, on the [Atlas of London’s Homelessness Services](https://www.lhfatlas.org.uk/introduction) website.
Unfortunately, most of our services are unable to accept self-referrals, but if you have any queries around any of our services please complete the form below.
- #### I would like to volunteer
You can see our current list of volunteering opportunities [here](https://thames-reach.goassemble.com/opportunities/results).
---
### [Do you need homelessness help?](https://thamesreach.org.uk/do-you-need-homelessness-help/)
**Published:** September 18, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Do you need homelessness help?
Do you need homelessness help? As a London homeless charity, we can help direct you to help you need. If you’re currently experiencing homelessness, at risk of losing your home, or need emergency help, you can find advice and resources below to get the urgent support you need.
## Frequently asked questions
- #### I’m currently sleeping rough in London
If you are sleeping rough, please visit Streetlink and choose the option to get help for yourself: [www.thestreetlink.org.uk](https://thestreetlink.org.uk/)
You can also find a comprehensive list of various homelessness services via the search function on the [Homeless England](https://homeless.org.uk/homeless-england/) website.
You can also search for services by borough, along with finding contact information for your local authority, on the [Atlas of London’s Homelessness Services](https://www.lhfatlas.org.uk/introduction) website.
- #### I’m at risk of losing my home in London
A local authority must take steps to help people at risk of homelessness within 56 days.
You can find contact information for your local authority, as well as search for homelessness services by borough, on the [Atlas of London’s Homelessness Services](https://www.lhfatlas.org.uk/introduction) website.
You can also find a comprehensive list of various homelessness services via the search function on the [Homeless England](https://homeless.org.uk/homeless-england/) website.
Emergency housing advice can also be found by calling the free [Shelter Emergency Helpline](https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/helpline).
- #### Other enquiries
If you have another enquiry not related to the above, please [visit our contact page](https://thamesreach.org.uk/contact-us/).
Please be aware that, unfortunately, Thames Reach services are unable to take self-referrals. If you have any queries related to referrals, please follow the above link to our contact page and complete the form.
---
### [Discount Promo Codes Poll - March 2026](https://thamesreach.org.uk/dpc-mar-2026/)
**Published:** July 2, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Vote for Thames Reach and support our work
This March, we’re taking part in the Discount Promo Codes charity poll — and we need your vote. The charity with the most votes will receive 20% of the site’s profits for the month, helping to fund vital work like our street outreach and tenancy support services.
[Vote here](https://www.discountpromocodes.co.uk/)
### What is Discount Promo Codes?
It is a discount website that helps people save money while supporting good causes. Every month, they donate **20% of their profits to charity**.
---
### How does the poll work?
Every month, **three charities** are shortlisted to take part in the poll. At the end of the month, the **charity with the most votes wins** the donation.
---
### How to vote for Thames Reach
Voting is quick, free and open to everyone. Here’s how to vote:
1. Go to the [Discount Promo Codes](https://www.discountpromocodes.co.uk/) website
2. Find the poll on the right-hand side of the page
3. Select the circle next to **Thames Reach**
4. That’s it — your vote is counted!
Voting is free, open to everyone, and runs from 1st to 31st March — no vouchers needed. Thank you for your support!
---
### [Helping people stay safe when the temperature drops](https://thamesreach.org.uk/helping-people-stay-safe-when-the-temperature-drops/)
**Published:** January 16, 2026
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:**
Homelessness isn’t just rough sleeping It’s precarious housing. It’s losing a job. It’s getting sick. It’s losing a loved one. It’s grieving. It’s addiction. It’s poor mental health. It’s poor physical health. It’s not having a support system in place. It’s often a combination of these that trap people in a cycle of homelessness. At […]
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Helping people stay safe when the temperature drops
Winter brings additional risks for people sleeping rough. Without access to safe shelter, even a short period of severe weather can have serious consequences.
Sleeping rough is dangerous and traumatising at any time of year, but winter is even harder on people’s health.
Support during this period can prevent harm and help people move away from the streets sooner.
Each winter, outreach teams work across the city to find people sleeping rough and help them access warmth, support and accommodation. Your donation helps make that work possible.
With your help, we can continue to respond quickly and effectively during cold weather. A donation today helps ensure that people sleeping rough are not facing winter conditions alone.
## Help people off the streets this winter
Support our work and help people sleeping rough in London. Donate today.
[Donate today](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/Christmas-2025/~my-donation)
---
### [Winter 2025 - Give the Gift of Safety](https://thamesreach.org.uk/donate-this-christmas/)
**Published:** November 17, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:** No one should have to sleep rough — at Christmas or at any time. Every night, thousands of people in London are forced to sleep on the streets. Rough sleeping is dangerous, traumatic, and isolating.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# No one should have to sleep rough — at winter or at any time
Every night, thousands of people in London are forced to sleep on the streets. Rough sleeping is dangerous, traumatic, and isolating.
[Make a donation today](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/Christmas-2025/~my-donation)
---
### Dale knows what it's like.
“I came back once and someone had stolen all my bedding. I pulled a rug out of the bin and rolled myself up in it to sleep.”
“I’d sleep in boxes or just on the ground. You’re always looking over your shoulder, never fully safe.”
[Make a donation today](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/Christmas-2025/~my-donation)
---
[https://youtu.be/SzdNYJQ2Rfk](https://youtu.be/SzdNYJQ2Rfk "Play video "Thames Reach Christmas 2025 - Give the Gift of Safety"")
> “One minute you’re on the outside.
>
> Next, you’re shutting the door, turning the key, and no one can come in unless you know they’re coming.
>
> Feels good.” [Read Dale’s full story.](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2025/11/17/dales-story/)
---
## With your support, people like Dale can move from the streets to a safe home.
Thousands face sleeping rough tonight. Help us reach them — and give the gift of safety this winter and all year round.
[Give the gift of safety today](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/Christmas-2025/~my-donation)
---
### [Supporters survey - thank you](https://thamesreach.org.uk/supporters-survey-thank-you/)
**Published:** September 24, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Your feedback will help us make sure we share the stories, updates, and opportunities that matter most to you. Stay tuned for updates—we’re glad to have you with us.
---
### [Mailing list survey](https://thamesreach.org.uk/mailing-list-survey/)
**Published:** September 24, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Help us share what matters to you
We’d love to understand why you signed up for our updates so we can make sure we share the things you care about—whether it’s stories, ways to get involved, or opportunities to support our work. This will only take a minute!
---
Name(Required) First Last
Email(Required)
Why did you sign up to hear from Thames Reach? (select all that apply)(Required) I want to learn more about homelessness and how it can be tackled
I want to hear stories about the people we support
I’m interested in volunteering or getting involved
I’m interested in donating to support people experiencing homelessness
Select All
What kind of updates would you like to receive from us?(Required) Stories about the people we support
News about our projects and services
Fundraising appeals
Opportunities to get involved
Select All
How often would you like to hear from us?(Required) Twice a month
Monthly
Only for important updates
Is there anything specific you’d like to hear about or see more of?
Submit
---
### [Irmani Smallwood](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/irmani-smallwood/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### **Board Member**
Irmani has worked in homelessness and supported housing for over 25 years, and is passionately committed to improving lives of people who have experienced homelessness, alongside a range of other circumstances, such as domestic abuse, mental ill health, learning disabilities, and experience of the care and criminal justice systems.
Irmani’s professional work for the last three years has been at a strategic level with integrated care boards, local authorities and provider organisations, to positively impact people who have experienced homelessness. She was recently appointed CEO for the Retired Ministers Housing Society.
---
### [Michael Scorer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/michael-scorer/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### **Board** Member
**Chair of Services Committee.**
Michael has over 25 years’ experience in senior positions in local authority housing, including director of housing roles in three London boroughs. He has also worked for the NHS, in partnership with local government, and for central government on homelessness services policy and delivery.
---
### [Georgina Thompson](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/georgina-thompson/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Board Member
**Chair of the Finance, Audit and Fundraising Committee.**
Georgina is a former chartered accountant with a background in industry. She previously worked across Europe in distribution businesses, including as Director of Finance Transformation for a pan-European business and as Finance Director for the UK & Ireland division of Bunzl. Georgina now works as an archivist at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
---
### [Simon Rawson](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/simon-rawson/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Board Member
Simon is Executive Director of the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures, which aims to incentivise business and financial practices that create stronger, more resilient societies and economies. He has previously worked in the diplomatic service and with McKinsey.
Simon knows Thames Reach through his involvement with our Work Ready Programme during his time at McKinsey. He is also a Board Member at The Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
---
### [Stephen Howard](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/stephen-howard/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Chair of the Board of Trustees
Stephen Howard LVO is Chair of Thames Reach, which he joined in 2016 following his retirement as Chief Executive of Business in the Community after 11 years in post.
Stephen brings a wealth of senior management experience in the corporate sector. He has held a number of executive and non-executive roles including Chief Executive of Cookson Group plc and Novar plc. His other current roles include: Director, Big Issue Social Investments Limited; Trustee, American International Church; and Director of Thanda UK.
---
### [Gift aid declaration - thank you](https://thamesreach.org.uk/gift-aid-declaration-thank-you/)
**Published:** August 7, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Thank you!
Your Gift Aid declaration has been received. Your generosity will allow us to better support some of London’s most vulnerable people.
### Brian’s story
Brian faced a difficult path when he found himself living on the streets. His turning point came when he met Mickey, his Thames Reach support worker, who found him in an alleyway and offered him the support he needed. Mickey took me off the street, Brian says. Good man, he does what he says he’ll do.
With Mickey’s help and support from Thames Reach, Brian moved into stable accommodation and began rebuilding his life. Through our Essentials Fund, he received items that made his new space feel like home. Now, Brian feels safer, independent, and is making strides in his recovery. “I’ve cut down on alcohol. I’m enjoying life better now I’ve got my own place to live,” he says.
***“There is light at the end of the tunnel. You have to keep going. It’s going to be hard—very hard. But you’ve got to keep going until you reach your goal.” – Brian***
---
### [Thames Reach Gift Aid Declaration](https://thamesreach.org.uk/thames-reach-gift-aid-declaration/)
**Published:** August 7, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Thames Reach Gift Aid Declaration
Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 you donate at no extra cost to you. Gift Aid is reclaimed by Thames Reach from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Your address is needed to identify you as a UK taxpayer.
Name(Required) Dr.MissMr.Mrs.Ms.Mx.Prof.Rev. Title First name Last name
Address(Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City County / State / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanÅland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People's Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth MacedoniaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRéunionRomaniaRussian FederationRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwedenSwitzerlandSyria Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, the United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTürkiyeTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUS Minor Outlying IslandsUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaViet NamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Country
Email
Your Declaration(Required)Yes, I am a UK tax payer and I want Thames Reach to claim Gift Aid on:
All donations I have made in the past four years
All donations I make today and in the future
I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.Signature
Date
Privacy NoticeWe will use your information only for Gift Aid claim purposes and in line with our Privacy Policy.
I would like to subscribe to receive further information from Thames Reach
CAPTCHA
Submit
---
Important Notes
- Please notify us if you want to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address, or no longer pay sufficient tax.
- Gift Aid can be claimed only on personal donations (not from companies or groups).
- Thames Reach is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1166311).
---
---
### [6 ways to help people sleeping rough this winter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/6-ways-to-help-people-sleeping-rough-this-winter/)
**Published:** December 3, 2024
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:** Find out which ways you can help if you see someone on the street who you are concerned about because they appear to be homeless.
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# 6 ways to help people sleeping rough this winter
The number of people sleeping rough on London’s streets has hit a record high, with over 4,700 seen in the past three months. This winter, the risks for those rough sleeping are even more urgent. Here are some ways you can help.
### 1. Donate
One of the quickest and most effective ways you can help people rough sleeping is to give a donation to Thames Reach.
[Make a donation](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1)
### 2. Volunteer for us
Give your time going out at night with our experienced outreach workers, helping to find and engage people sleeping rough.
[Explore volunteering roles](https://thamesreach.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/)
### 3. Tell Streetlink
Make a detailed referral at Streelink. An outreach team will aim to find and approach them within 24 hours to provide support.
[Make a referral](https://thestreetlink.org.uk/)
### 4. Find local support
Search for day centres run by your council where they could go to take a hot shower or stay warm during the day.
### 5. Check if they need help
If you see someone who looks like they need emergency help, either ask them or call the emergency services.
### 6. Ask if they need anything
Many people sleeping rough feel invisible, so if you feel comfortable doing so, say hello and ask if they need anything, like a hot drink.
> “It’s very dangerous to sleep on the streets. When the weather gets extremely cold, this puts people rough sleeping at an even greater risk. They can die. Sadly, hundreds of people die each year on the streets.”
>
> Alisha, Thames Reach Outreach Worker
## Make a donation today
Your support could stop someone having to sleep rough this winter. Donate today and make a real impact on someone’s life.
[Donate](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1%20)
---
### [Help break the cycle of homelessness - thank you](https://thamesreach.org.uk/handraiser-2025-thank-you/)
**Published:** January 31, 2025
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
**Excerpt:**
Homelessness isn’t just rough sleeping It’s precarious housing. It’s losing a job. It’s getting sick. It’s losing a loved one. It’s grieving. It’s addiction. It’s poor mental health. It’s poor physical health. It’s not having a support system in place. It’s often a combination of these that trap people in a cycle of homelessness. At […]
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Help break the cycle of homelessness
We believe, with the right support, everyone can break free from the cycle of homelessness. We ask you to show your support not just for the first step, but for the entire journey.
## Thank you for adding your name and showing support.
**Homelessness isn’t just rough sleeping**
It’s precarious housing, losing a job, getting sick, grieving, addiction, and struggling with mental or physical health. Often, it’s a combination that traps people in a cycle of homelessness.
At Thames Reach, we do more than get people off the streets — we tackle the root causes to prevent them from returning to rough sleeping.
We support people at every stage, from providing safe accommodation and essential items to mental health and addiction services. We even help with basics like access to a phone so people can register with a GP or receive job calls.
With your help, we can continue helping hundreds recover from homelessness and break the cycle for good.
---
### Brian’s story
Brian faced a difficult path when he found himself living on the streets. His turning point came when he met Mickey, his Thames Reach support worker, who found him in an alleyway and offered him the support he needed. Mickey took me off the street, Brian says. Good man, he does what he says he’ll do.
With Mickey’s help and support from Thames Reach, Brian moved into stable accommodation and began rebuilding his life. Through our Essentials Fund, he received items that made his new space feel like home. Now, Brian feels safer, independent, and is making strides in his recovery. “I’ve cut down on alcohol. I’m enjoying life better now I’ve got my own place to live,” he says.
***“There is light at the end of the tunnel. You have to keep going. It’s going to be hard—very hard. But you’ve got to keep going until you reach your goal.” – Brian***
---
### [Help break the cycle of homelessness](https://thamesreach.org.uk/help-break-the-cycle-of-homelessness/)
**Published:** January 28, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Excerpt:**
Homelessness isn’t just rough sleeping It’s precarious housing. It’s losing a job. It’s getting sick. It’s losing a loved one. It’s grieving. It’s addiction. It’s poor mental health. It’s poor physical health. It’s not having a support system in place. It’s often a combination of these that trap people in a cycle of homelessness. At […]
**Content:**
[News](/news/)
# Help break the cycle of homelessness
We believe, with the right support, everyone can break free from the cycle of homelessness. We ask you to show your support not just for the first step, but for the entire journey.
## Will you add your name and show your support?
## I want to help break the cycle of homelessness
Add your name and show your support
Name First Last
Email
We’d love to keep you updated by email on how we are breaking the cycle of homelessness for people in London. Would you like to hear from us? Yes please!
No thanks
CAPTCHA
Add my name
**Homelessness isn’t just rough sleeping**
It’s precarious housing, losing a job, getting sick, grieving, addiction, and struggling with mental or physical health. Often, it’s a combination that traps people in a cycle of homelessness.
At Thames Reach, we do more than get people off the streets — we tackle the root causes to prevent them from returning to rough sleeping.
We support people at every stage, from providing safe accommodation and essential items to mental health and addiction services. We even help with basics like access to a phone so people can register with a GP or receive job calls.
With your help, we can continue helping hundreds recover from homelessness and break the cycle for good.
---
### Brian’s story
Brian faced a difficult path when he found himself living on the streets. His turning point came when he met Mickey, his Thames Reach support worker, who found him in an alleyway and offered him the support he needed. “Mickey took me off the street,” Brian says. “Good man, he does what he says he’ll do.”
With Mickey’s help and support from Thames Reach, Brian moved into stable accommodation and began rebuilding his life. Through our Essentials Fund, he received items that made his new space feel like home.
Now, Brian feels safer, independent, and is making strides in his recovery. “I’ve cut down on alcohol. I’m enjoying life better now I’ve got my own place to live,” he says.
***“There is light at the end of the tunnel. You have to keep going. It’s going to be hard—very hard. But you’ve got to keep going until you reach your goal.”*** ***–*** **Brian**
---
### [Muhammad Baqa](https://thamesreach.org.uk/muhammad-baqa/)
**Published:** December 19, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Thames Reach Board Member
Muhammad qualified as a chartered accountant from a big four accounting firm and has a diversified finance experience in large US and UK companies. He currently works as a finance director at AstraZeneca.
---
### [How we process employee data](https://thamesreach.org.uk/how-we-process-employee-data/)
**Published:** November 15, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
Thames Reach collects, stores and uses employee data to manage the employment relationship. We are committed to protecting employee rights and freedoms and fully complying with the principles of data protection detailed in the EU General Data Protection Regulations, 2018.
This information should be read alongside the Thames Reach [Privacy policy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/privacy-policy/).
**What information do we collect?**
Thames Reach collects and processes a range of information about it employees, including:
– name, address and contact details (including emergency contacts)
– date of birth
– gender
– National Insurance number
– nationality and entitlement to work in the UK
– criminal convictions
– details of leave taken by you, including holiday, sickness absence, family and other leave
– details of any disciplinary or grievance procedures in which you have been involved, including any warnings issued to you
– assessments of your performance, including appraisals and performance improvement plans
Data is collected in a variety of ways, for example, application forms that you fill in, CVs, identity documents that you provide us, forms completed by you at the start of your employment, health declarations, recruitment interviews, supervision sessions and appraisals or general correspondence with you.
**How we use your data**
Thames Reach processes your data in our legitimate capacity as your employer but we will only use your personal data as the law allows us to.
The lawful bases we use to process data are:
Our [Contractual](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lawful-basis-for-processing-data/) obligations as your employer**,** for example, to pay you or administer your pension entitlements.
Complying with a [Legal obligation](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lawful-basis-for-processing-data/), i.e. checking an employee’s entitlement to work, calculating tax deductions, complying with court orders etc or if we need to share your data with a commissioner under TUPE law.
Our [Legitimate interest](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lawful-basis-for-processing-data/) in keeping accurate employment records, for example, performance assessments, supervision notes, and responding to and defending against legal claims.
It is also in our legitimate interest to use CCTV in and around some of our buildings and also to share your data (including your image) internally on the staff database.
Where we use your data to provide a reference, or for publicity reasons, we will only do so with your explicit [Consent](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lawful-basis-for-processing-data/).
**Special category data**
Some data is considered ‘Special Category’ because it is more sensitive and requires more protection. Special category data includes information about an individual’s: race, ethnic origin, politics, religion, trade union membership, genetics, biometrics (where used for ID purposes), health and sexual orientation.
Thames Reach may gather the following special category data:
– information about a medical or health condition, including whether or not you have a disability
– details of trade union membership
– information about your ethnic origin, sexual orientation, history of homelessness, health and religion or belief
This information is collected under our official capacity as your employer and is used to meet our legal obligations, for example, making reasonable adjustments or is processed as part of our contract monitoring requirements, e.g. equal opportunities.
**Security**
Thames Reach takes the security of your data seriously. We have internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed.
Your information will mainly be shared internally, including with members of the Human Resources team, your line manager and managers in the business area in which you work.
Where we engage third parties to process personal data on our behalf, for example payroll and IT, they do so on the basis of written instructions provided by us. They are under a duty of confidentiality and are obliged to implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures.
Thames Reach will not transfer your employee data to countries outside the European Union.
**For how long does the organisation keep data?**
Thames Reach will hold your personal data for the duration of your employment or in compliance with statutory retention periods.
**Your rights**
Thames Reach recognises that your personal data belongs to you and we would not wish to use it in ways the law does not allow us to. Under the General Data Protection regulations, you can exercise a variety of rights regarding our use of your data. For more information on the rights of individuals, please click [here](https://thamesreach.org.uk/rights-of-individuals/).
**What if you do not provide us with your personal data?**
You have some obligations under your employment contract to provide Thames Reach with data. In particular, you are required to report absences from work and may be required to provide information about disciplinary or other matters under the implied duty of good faith. You may also have to provide the organisation with data in order to exercise your statutory rights, such as statutory leave entitlements. You will also have to provide Thames Reach with certain information pertaining to your right to work in the UK and payment details.
Failing to provide such data may mean that you are unable to exercise your statutory rights or may prevent Thames Reach from making you an offer of employment.
---
### [Rights of individuals](https://thamesreach.org.uk/rights-of-individuals/)
**Published:** November 15, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
**Right to be informed**
Individuals have the right to be informed about the collection and use of their personal data. Upon request, we will provide you with information including: the purposes for processing your personal data, our retention periods for that personal data and who it will be shared with.
**Right of access**
Individuals have the right to access their personal data and supplementary information free of charge (known as a Subject Access Request). The right of access allows individuals to be aware of and verify the lawfulness of our processing. Under the GDPR, individuals have the right to obtain confirmation that their data is being processed, access to their personal data and other supplementary information.
**Right to rectification**
Individuals have the right to have inaccurate personal data rectified. An individual may also request that incomplete personal data be completed.
Thames Reach will consider each request to have inaccurate or incomplete data rectified, whether requested in writing or verbally and will do everything in its power to accede to the request so long as it doesn’t relate to a subjective opinion or a mistake that has subsequently been rectified.
Where it is felt necessary to do so, Thames Reach will contact any third party that has received the inaccurate or incomplete data and inform them of the correction.
**Right to erasure**
Individuals have the right to have personal data erased, also known as the ‘right to be forgotten’. The right is not absolute and only applies in certain circumstances.
Individuals have the right to have their personal data erased if:
– the personal data is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was originally collected
– the individual withdraws their consent, where consent is the lawful basis for holding the data
– where legitimate interests is the basis for processing, the individual objects to the processing of their data, and there is no overriding legitimate interest to continue this processing
– processing is for direct marketing purposes and the individual objects
– processing is unlawful
Thames Reach can refuse to erase the data if it is required for a legal obligation, or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
**Right to restrict processing**
Individuals have the right to restrict the processing of their personal data in certain circumstances. This means that an individual can limit the way that an organisation uses their data, for example, if they have issues with the content of the information or how it is processed. This is an alternative to requesting the erasure of their data.
**Right to data portability**
The right to data portability gives individuals the right to receive personal data they have provided to a controller in a structured, commonly used and machine readable format allowing them to reuse their personal data for their own purposes across different services.
The right only applies to information an individual has provided to a controller and only when the lawful basis for processing the information is ‘consent’ or ‘in the performance of a contract’ and the processing is carried out by electronic means (i.e. excluding paper files). It does not apply to anonymous data.
**Right to object**
Individuals have the right to object to processes based on legitimate interests or the performance of a task in the ’public interest’, direct marketing (including profiling) and processing for purposes of scientific/historical research and statistics.
Thames Reach will inform individuals of their right to object “at the point of first communication” and in our privacy notice.
**Fees and timescales**
In normal circumstances the above rights will be provided free of charge.
Where requests are manifestly unfounded or excessive, Thames Reach will consider whether a reasonable fee should be charged taking into account the administrative costs of undertaking the task. In extreme circumstances we may refuse to but will provide an explanation and inform the individual of their right to complain.
Information will be provided without delay and at the latest within one month of receipt of the request.
---
### [Privacy Policy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/privacy-policy/)
**Published:** July 16, 2024
**Author:** timboreader
**Content:**
## **Privacy statement**
At Thames Reach we value the support and engagement people have with our charity. From our service users, Trustees, employees, volunteers, donors and campaigners, each person is a valued part of the organisation and the support we provide. We are committed to keeping your data safe and we will be honest about what information we are collecting, why we do this and how we use this.
The purpose of this privacy policy is to set out how Thames Reach obtains, stores and uses your personal information.
**Our legal basis**
Thames Reach will only process your personal information where we a have a clear legal basis for doing so in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act 2018, which is the UK’s implementation of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
UK GDPR defines six legal bases that can be used to collect and process your data.
1. We have obtained your consent.
2. We have a contract or agreement with you.
3. We have a legal requirement to fulfil.
4. We have a vital interest, or are fulfilling the vital interest of an individual.
5. We have a legitimate interest for doing so.
6. We have a public interest.
Where we have obtained your consent for processing your information, we will keep a record of this and should you wish to withdraw your consent at any time under your UK GDPR rights, we will record this.
**Our commitment to you**
We value the relationships that we have with our service users and applicants, volunteers, supporters and donors and it is important that respect your data protection rights. The information you provide will be held securely by us and /or our data processers, whether the information is in electronic or physical format.
We will ensure that your personal data is:
- Processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner;
- Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes;
- Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary;
- Accurate and current;
- Kept for no longer than is necessary;
- Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of your personal data
Thames Reach is committed to fully complying with the principles of data protection detailed in UK GDPR.
**Your data protection rights**
Under the data protection law, you have rights including:
- **Your right of access** – you have the right to ask us for copies of your personal information.
- **Your right to rectification** – you have the right to ask us to rectify personal information you think is inaccurate. You also have the right to ask us to complete information you think is incomplete.
- **Your right to erasure** – you have the right to ask us to erase your personal information in certain circumstances.
- **Your right to restriction of processing** – you have the right to ask us to restrict the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
- **Your right to object to processing** – you have the right to object to the processing of your personal data in certain circumstances.
- **Your right to data portability** – you have the right to ask that we transfer your personal information to another organisation, or to you, in certain circumstances.
You are not required to pay any charge for reasonably exercising your rights. If you make a subject access request, we have one month to respond to you unless your request is complex, in which case we may extend this up to 3 months.
Please contact us at if you wish to make a request.
**Whose data do we collect?**
This privacy policy relates to the data we collect from people who:
- use our services,
- visit our website,
- subscribe to our newsletters,
- make a donation,
- apply to work or volunteer with Thames Reach,
- visit our projects or services,
- attend our events,
- or support us in other ways.
**How we collect or obtain personal information about you**
We collect personal information about you in a number of ways:
- When you interact with us directly
This could be if you ask us about our activities, register with us for an event, make a donation to us, subscribe to our newsletter or other marketing or fundraising communications, access our support services, apply for a job or volunteering opportunity or otherwise provide us with your personal information. This includes when you phone us, visit our website, get in touch through the post, or in person. We will use various platforms to enable this interaction.
- When you interact with us through third parties
This could be if you provide a donation through a third party such as JustGiving or one of the other third parties that we work with and provide your consent for your personal information to be shared with us.
- When you visit our website
We gather general information which might include which pages you visit most often and information is of most interest to you. We may also track which pages you visit when you click on links in emails from us. We use proprietary tools that collect information from and about our website visitors. For example we have enabled Google Analytics Advertising Features which means that Thames Reach collects certain information from and about our website visitors. See ‘Use of cookies’ below for more information. We use technology services to optimise users’ needs and experience, such as Hotjar.
We also use a ‘Meta pixel’ on our websites and on some third-party processor websites to track how Facebook and Instagram users have interacted with our site(s).
We also use ‘cookies’ to help our site run effectively. There are more details in our [Cookie Policy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/cookie-policy/).
- When you interact with us through partners or suppliers working on our behalf
This could be if you access a service delivered through a trusted organisation working on our behalf and always under our instruction.
In order to tailor our communications with you to your background and interests we may collect information about you from publicly available sources or through third party subscription services or service providers.
**How we use your data**
We need to collect certain types of personal data as part of our legitimate business activities but we will only use your personal data as the law allows us to. We will not collect any more personal data from you than we need nor use your personal data for any purpose other than that for which we originally collected it.
Most commonly, we will use your personal data in the following circumstances:
- Where you ask us to do something for you, such as send you information or provide you with a service and we need to use your personal information to do so. This constitutes a contract that we have entered into with you.
- Where we make a decision to use your data for general administrative purposes, for example keeping a record of our communication history or your attendance at one of our events, or confirming receipt of a donation. It is in our legitimate interest to keep accurate records and provide you with a good customer service.
- Where there is a legal requirement to process your personal data, for example, the requirement to keep financial records for a period of six years, this is in compliance with a [legal obligation](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lawful-basis-for-processing-data/).
- To provide you with information about our services, news and events that we think may interest you. This includes direct marketing. We will do this either where you have given us clear consent, or where we assess it is within our legitimate interest to do so.
- Whenever we send you marketing materials, we will always make clear how you can ask us to stop providing this type of information.
The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (PECR), sits alongside the General Data Protection Regulations and sets out more-specific privacy rights governing the use of electronic communications.
**Building profiles of our supporters and targeting communications**
Thames Reach tries to identify the personal preferences of its donors and supporters to help us select the particular type of information that we think will be of interest to you. We may do this by reviewing our previous contact with you. We may conduct automated profiling.
We may analyse the details you have provided to us along with further information about you that we have obtained from public and/or private sources, where it is in our legitimate interest to do so. If we do this we will make sure it is compliant with GDPR. In some instances, we may make use of additional factors such as demographic information.
We may on occasion use third party suppliers to undertake these activities on our behalf and provide them with your information to the extent required, but this will only be done where we have a legitimate legal basis to do so. All of our suppliers are GDPR compliant.
**Marketing online**
In order to ensure our online advertising is effective and cost efficient, we sometimes share data with Google and social media sites.
Data shared with Facebook, Twitter and Google platforms is used for no other purposes than described above and is not shared with any third parties.
**When you apply for a job**
Thames Reach will collect and store certain information about you when you apply to work for us. This information will be accessed through the recruitment process. This will be mostly information that you provide but some information will come from third parties.
We process the personal data you provide for the purpose of processing your job application and to meet statutory requirements. With your permission, the data you provide may be used to check your right to work, validate references or carry out background checks. We will keep you informed throughout the application process of how we are using your personal data. We will keep the data you provide as long as necessary to complete the application process and to meet statutory requirements.
We collect this information in a variety of ways. For example, through your application form, CV, identity documents such as your driving licence, health and criminal record declaration, from general correspondence with you and through interviews and other assessments.
We seek information from third parties such as previous employers and referees and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We will only seek this information with your explicit and unambiguous consent.
In some cases, Thames Reach will process data to ensure that it is complying with its Legal Obligations. For example, entitlement to work in the UK and equal opportunities.
Thames Reach has a [Legitimate Interest](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lawful-basis-for-processing-data/) in processing certain data for other purposes, for example safeguarding and general administration. For certain roles within Thames Reach, we will seek a criminal records check from the DBS, we will also keep information following the recruitment process to provide feedback and in case of a dispute.
Some special categories of personal data, such as information about ethnicity, race, is processed for the purposes of equal opportunities monitoring.
Your information will be stored on our People database, which is currently hosted in the UK, and only shared within the People team and the recruitment panel until such time as you are offered a position.
If you become an employee of Thames Reach, we will hold your personal data for the duration of your employment or in compliance with statutory retention periods. If your application is unsuccessful, we will hold your information for six months.
**Sharing your data**
There are some circumstances where we share your personal data with a third party, for instance, registering you for a challenge event with the event organiser or if a mailing house sends out mailings on our behalf. When we work with other organisations or individuals in this way, we always set up a written contract with them to protect your data. The third parties we work with at no point ‘own’ your data, so you will never hear from them independently and they will always delete your data from their systems when they have completed the task in hand. We always send your data to partner organisations securely, to minimise the risk of it being intercepted by unknown individuals and/or organisations.
**Storing your data**
The information that you give us via our website when you make a donation or fill out a volunteer application form will be stored on the website, in the UK and EU.
Your personal information will also be stored on a secure supporter database which is hosted in the UK.
If you use Thames Reach services, your personal information will be stored on secure client databases including InForm, which is provided by Salesforce and is hosted in the UK.
**Data retention**
We will only retain your personal data for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting or reporting requirements.
To determine the appropriate retention period for personal data, we consider the amount, nature, and sensitivity of the personal data, the potential risk of harm from unauthorised use or disclosure, any legal requirement, the purposes for which we process your personal data and whether we can achieve those purposes through other means.
By law we have to keep basic information about financial transactions for six years, and information relating to Gift Aid claims for six years beyond the last tax year Gift Aid was claimed in.
**Keeping your data secure**
Thames Reach are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect about you.
We will notify you and any applicable regulator of a breach where we are legally required to do so.
**How to update your information**
**Service user**
If you use one or more of Thames Reach’s services you can update the information we hold about you by talking to one of the team who are working or have worked with you.
**Candidate**
Candidates can update the information we hold about you by talking to the People team or raising with your hiring manager.
**Donors and volunteers**
If you are a donor or a volunteer you can update the information we hold about you by informing your usual contact within Thames Reach or by emailing if you are a supporter, and for volunteers.
If you receive our supporter newsletter, you can also update your contact preferences at the bottom of emails we send you.
**Your legal rights**
Thames Reach recognises that your personal data belongs to you and we would not wish to use it in ways that you wouldn’t want us to. Under the General Data Protection regulations, you can exercise a variety of rights regarding our use of your data:
- You can ask us to tell you what information we hold about you
- You can ask us to correct any incorrect data we have about you.
- You can ask us to delete your data
- You can ask us to provide you with a copy of your data in a common, machine-readable format
- You can object to any processing we do on the basis of legitimate interests
For more information on your rights, please visit: https://ico.org.uk/
**Complaints**
We welcome, and take seriously, all complaints and feedback about our work. If you make a complaint to us, we will collect and use your information to respond to your concerns.
If your complaint relates to an area of our work where we employ a third-party processor or product provider, we may share your personal information with that third party to investigate your concerns.
We will keep a record of your complaint for seven years from the date that we deem the complaint closed.
Should you wish to talk to us about the information we are holding or how we process your data, please feel free to contact us at .
If you remain dissatisfied with the way we are processing your data, you have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues*).*
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Helpline number: 0303 123 1113
ICO website: [https://www.ico.org.uk](https://www.ico.org.uk/)
**Changes to this policy**
Any changes we may make to this policy in the future will be posted on this website so please check this page occasionally to ensure that you’re happy with any changes. If we make any significant changes, we’ll make this clear on this website.
**November 2023**
---
### [Cookie Policy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/cookie-policy/)
**Published:** November 5, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
*This Cookie Policy was last updated on 24 February 2026 and applies to citizens and legal permanent residents of the United Kingdom.*
## 1. Introduction
Our website, (hereinafter: “the website”) uses cookies and other related technologies (for convenience all technologies are referred to as “cookies”). Cookies are also placed by third parties we have engaged. In the document below we inform you about the use of cookies on our website.
## 2. What are cookies?
A cookie is a small simple file that is sent along with pages of this website and stored by your browser on the hard drive of your computer or another device. The information stored therein may be returned to our servers or to the servers of the relevant third parties during a subsequent visit.
## 3. What are scripts?
A script is a piece of program code that is used to make our website function properly and interactively. This code is executed on our server or on your device.
## 4. What is a web beacon?
A web beacon (or a pixel tag) is a small, invisible piece of text or image on a website that is used to monitor traffic on a website. In order to do this, various data about you is stored using web beacons.
## 5. Cookies
### 5.1 Technical or functional cookies
Some cookies ensure that certain parts of the website work properly and that your user preferences remain known. By placing functional cookies, we make it easier for you to visit our website. This way, you do not need to repeatedly enter the same information when visiting our website and, for example, the items remain in your shopping cart until you have paid. We may place these cookies without your consent.
### 5.2 Statistics cookies
We use statistics cookies to optimize the website experience for our users. With these statistics cookies we get insights in the usage of our website. We ask your permission to place statistics cookies.
### 5.3 Marketing/Tracking cookies
Marketing/Tracking cookies are cookies or any other form of local storage, used to create user profiles to display advertising or to track the user on this website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
### 5.4 Social media
On our website, we have included content from Instagram and Facebook to promote web pages (e.g. “like”, “pin”) or share (e.g. “tweet”) on social networks like Instagram and Facebook. This content is embedded with code derived from Instagram and Facebook and places cookies. This content might store and process certain information for personalized advertising.
Instagram and Facebook are located in the United States.
## 6. Placed cookies
### WordPress
Functional
Consent to service wordpress
#### Usage
We use WordPress for website development. [Read more about WordPress](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/wordpress/)
#### Sharing data
This data is not shared with third parties.
#### Functional
##### Name
[WP\_PREFERENCES\_USER\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wp_preferences_user_/)
##### Expiration
persistent
##### Function
Store user preferences
##### Name
[wpEmojiSettingsSupports](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wpemojisettingssupports/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Store browser details
##### Name
[wordpress\_test\_cookie](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wordpress_test_cookie/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Read if cookies can be placed
##### Name
[wp\_lang](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wp_lang/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Store language settings
##### Name
[wp-settings-time-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wp-settings-time/)
##### Expiration
1 year
##### Function
Store user preferences
##### Name
[wp-settings-\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wp-settings/)
##### Expiration
persistent
##### Function
Store user preferences
##### Name
[wordpress\_logged\_in\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/wordpress/wordpress_logged_in_/)
##### Expiration
persistent
##### Function
Store logged in users
### Google Analytics
Statistics
Consent to service google-analytics
#### Usage
We use Google Analytics for website statistics. [Read more about Google Analytics](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/google-analytics/)
#### Sharing data
For more information, please read the [Google Analytics Privacy Statement](https://business.safety.google/privacy/).
#### Statistics
##### Name
[\_ga](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-analytics/_ga/)
##### Expiration
2 years
##### Function
Store and count pageviews
##### Name
[\_ga\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-analytics/_ga_/)
##### Expiration
1 year
##### Function
Store and count pageviews
##### Name
[\_gid](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-analytics/_gid/)
##### Expiration
1 day
##### Function
Store and count pageviews
### Facebook
Marketing, Functional
Consent to service facebook
#### Usage
We use Facebook for display of recent social posts and/or social share buttons. [Read more about Facebook](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/facebook/)
#### Sharing data
For more information, please read the [Facebook Privacy Statement](https://www.facebook.com/policy/cookies).
#### Marketing
##### Name
[\_fbp](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/_fbp/)
##### Expiration
3 months
##### Function
Store and track visits across websites
##### Name
[\_fbc](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/_fbc/)
##### Expiration
2 years
##### Function
Store last visit
##### Name
[fbm\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/fbm_/)
##### Expiration
1 year
##### Function
Store account details
##### Name
[xs](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/xs/)
##### Expiration
3 months
##### Function
Store a unique session ID
##### Name
[fr](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/fr/)
##### Expiration
3 months
##### Function
Provide ad delivery or retargeting
##### Name
[act](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/act/)
##### Expiration
90 days
##### Function
Store logged in users
##### Name
[datr](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/datr/)
##### Expiration
2 years
##### Function
Provide fraud prevention
##### Name
[c\_user](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/c_user/)
##### Expiration
30 days
##### Function
Store a unique user ID
##### Name
[sb](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/sb/)
##### Expiration
2 years
##### Function
Store browser details
##### Name
[\*\_fbm\_](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/_fbm_/)
##### Expiration
1 year
##### Function
Store account details
#### Functional
##### Name
[wd](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/wd/)
##### Expiration
1 week
##### Function
Read screen resolution
##### Name
[csm](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/csm/)
##### Expiration
90 days
##### Function
Provide fraud prevention
##### Name
[actppresence](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/facebook/actppresence/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Store and track if the browser tab is active
### Google reCAPTCHA
Marketing
Consent to service google-recaptcha
#### Usage
We use Google reCAPTCHA for spam prevention. [Read more about Google reCAPTCHA](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/google-recaptcha/)
#### Sharing data
For more information, please read the [Google reCAPTCHA Privacy Statement](https://policies.google.com/privacy).
#### Marketing
##### Name
[rc::c](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-recaptcha/rcc/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Read and filter requests from bots
##### Name
[rc::b](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-recaptcha/rcb/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Read and filter requests from bots
##### Name
[rc::a](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/google-recaptcha/rca/)
##### Expiration
persistent
##### Function
Read and filter requests from bots
### Vimeo
Statistics
Consent to service vimeo
#### Usage
We use Vimeo for video display. [Read more about Vimeo](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/vimeo/)
#### Sharing data
For more information, please read the [Vimeo Privacy Statement](https://vimeo.com/privacy).
#### Statistics
##### Name
[\_\_utmt\_player](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/vimeo/__utmt_player/)
##### Expiration
10 minutes
##### Function
Store and track audience reach
##### Name
[vuid](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/vimeo/vuid/)
##### Expiration
2 years
##### Function
Store the user’s usage history
### YouTube
Marketing
Consent to service youtube
#### Usage
We use YouTube for video display. [Read more about YouTube](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/youtube/)
#### Sharing data
For more information, please read the [YouTube Privacy Statement](https://policies.google.com/privacy).
#### Marketing
##### Name
[GPS](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/youtube/gps/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Store location data
##### Name
[VISITOR\_INFO1\_LIVE](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/youtube/visitor_info1_live/)
##### Expiration
6 months
##### Function
Provide ad delivery or retargeting
##### Name
[YSC](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/youtube/ysc/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Store and track interaction
##### Name
[PREF](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/youtube/pref/)
##### Expiration
8 months
##### Function
Store user preferences
### Complianz
Functional
Consent to service complianz
#### Usage
We use Complianz for cookie consent management. [Read more about Complianz](https://cookiedatabase.org/service/complianz/)
#### Sharing data
This data is not shared with third parties. For more information, please read the [Complianz Privacy Statement](https://complianz.io/legal/privacy-statement/).
#### Functional
##### Name
[cmplz\_functional](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_functional/)
##### Expiration
365 days
##### Function
Store cookie consent preferences
##### Name
[cmplz\_statistics](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_statistics/)
##### Expiration
365 days
##### Function
Store cookie consent preferences
##### Name
[cmplz\_preferences](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_preferences/)
##### Expiration
365 days
##### Function
Store cookie consent preferences
##### Name
[cmplz\_marketing](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_marketing/)
##### Expiration
365 days
##### Function
Store cookie consent preferences
##### Name
[cmplz\_banner-status](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_banner-status/)
##### Expiration
365 days
##### Function
Store if the cookie banner has been dismissed
##### Name
[cmplz\_consented\_services](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_consented_services/)
##### Expiration
365 days
##### Function
Store cookie consent preferences
##### Name
[cmplz\_policy\_id](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/complianz/cmplz_policy_id/)
##### Expiration
365 days
##### Function
Store accepted cookie policy ID
### Hotjar
Statistics, Functional
Consent to service hotjar
#### Usage
#### Sharing data
This data is not shared with third parties.
#### Statistics
##### Name
[hjViewportId](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/hjviewportid/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Read screen resolution
##### Name
[\_hjSessionUser\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/_hjsessionuser_/)
##### Expiration
1 year
##### Function
Store a unique user ID
#### Functional
##### Name
[\_hjSession\_\*](https://cookiedatabase.org/cookie/unknown-service/_hjsession_/)
##### Expiration
session
##### Function
Provide functions across pages
### Miscellaneous
Purpose pending investigation
Consent to service miscellaneous
#### Usage
#### Sharing data
Sharing of data is pending investigation
#### Purpose pending investigation
##### Name
WP_DATA_USER_3
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
breeze_folder_name
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
lastExternalReferrer
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
lastExternalReferrerTime
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
WP_DATA_USER_4
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
hjActiveViewportIds
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
redirect_displaySelected
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
redirect_displayType
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
_grecaptcha
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
topicsLastReferenceTime
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
multiFbc
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
_gcl_ls
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
_gcl_au
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
wp-postpass_8b367936c227bea12abe7e1474e1cb21
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
_hjDonePolls
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
wfwaf-authcookie-ef7c034c0d02f3623df5c8a722973f6e
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
redirection-settings
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
adobeCleanFontAdded
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
omWpApi
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
mi_cache_registry
##### Expiration
##### Function
##### Name
wf-scan-issue-expanded-254
##### Expiration
##### Function
## 7. Consent
When you visit our website for the first time, we will show you a pop-up with an explanation about cookies. As soon as you click on “Save preferences”, you consent to us using the categories of cookies and plug-ins you selected in the pop-up, as described in this Cookie Policy. You can disable the use of cookies via your browser, but please note that our website may no longer work properly.
### 7.1 Manage your consent settings
You have loaded the Cookie Policy without javascript support. On AMP, you can use the manage consent button on the bottom of the page.
## 8. Enabling/disabling and deleting cookies
You can use your internet browser to automatically or manually delete cookies. You can also specify that certain cookies may not be placed. Another option is to change the settings of your internet browser so that you receive a message each time a cookie is placed. For more information about these options, please refer to the instructions in the Help section of your browser.
Please note that our website may not work properly if all cookies are disabled. If you do delete the cookies in your browser, they will be placed again after your consent when you visit our website again.
## 9. Your rights with respect to personal data
You have the following rights with respect to your personal data:
- You have the right to know why your personal data is needed, what will happen to it, and how long it will be retained for.
- Right of access: You have the right to access your personal data that is known to us.
- Right to rectification: you have the right to supplement, correct, have deleted or blocked your personal data whenever you wish.
- If you give us your consent to process your data, you have the right to revoke that consent and to have your personal data deleted.
- Right to transfer your data: you have the right to request all your personal data from the controller and transfer it in its entirety to another controller.
- Right to object: you may object to the processing of your data. We comply with this, unless there are justified grounds for processing.
To exercise these rights, please contact us. Please refer to the contact details at the bottom of this Cookie Policy. If you have a complaint about how we handle your data, we would like to hear from you, but you also have the right to submit a complaint to the supervisory authority (the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)).
## 10. Contact details
For questions and/or comments about our Cookie Policy and this statement, please contact us by using the following contact details:
Thames Reach Charity
The Employment Academy, 29 Peckham Road, London, SE5 8UA
United Kingdom
Website:
Email: datacontroller@ex.comthamesreach.org.uk
Phone number: 020 3617 6070
This Cookie Policy was synchronised with [cookiedatabase.org](https://cookiedatabase.org/) on 25 November 2024.
##### **11. About Google Signal**s
We use Google Signals, integrated with Google Analytics, which creates data reports from multiple platforms or devices from people who are signed into their Google accounts, but only if they have enabled personalised advertising within their account. This information may include a person’s location, search history, YouTube history and data from sites that partner with Google. It is used to provide aggregated and anonymous insights into behaviours across more than one device.
You can opt out of Google Analytics Advertising Features through the settings and tools provided by Google, such as from within your Google account settings, ad settings for mobile apps, Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on and NAI’s consumer opt-out. For more information, please refer to Google Privacy Controls. https://safety.google/privacy/privacy-controls/
---
### [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/news/)
**Published:** July 24, 2024
**Author:** timboreader
**Content:**
Show: - [All articles](/news)
- [Blog](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/blog/)
- [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/news/)
- [Real-life stories](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/real-life-stories/)
#### [Eastbourne and Lewes pilot concludes with full caseload housed ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/09/08/eastbourne-and-lewes-pilot-concludes-with-full-caseload-housed/)
- [Blog](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/blog/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/09/08/eastbourne-and-lewes-pilot-concludes-with-full-caseload-housed/)
#### [BBC Interview: Helping people off the streets during heatwaves](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/helping-people-off-the-streets-during-heatwaves-bbc-interview/)
- [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/news/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/helping-people-off-the-streets-during-heatwaves-bbc-interview/)
#### [Prime Minister announces next steps to end rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/prime-minister-announces-next-steps-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
- [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/news/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/08/19/prime-minister-announces-next-steps-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
#### [From volunteering to a career in care: Nasrin’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/28/from-volunteering-to-a-career/)
- [Real-life stories](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/real-life-stories/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/28/from-volunteering-to-a-career/)
#### [New Prime Minister pledges to end rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/22/new-prime-minister-pledges-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
- [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/news/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/22/new-prime-minister-pledges-to-end-rough-sleeping/)
#### [Resettlement Support Team Evaluation](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/15/resettlement-support-team-evaluation/)
- [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/news/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/07/15/resettlement-support-team-evaluation/)
#### [Helping people take their next step towards work ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/06/17/helping-people-take-their-next-step-towards-work/)
- [Blog](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/blog/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/06/17/helping-people-take-their-next-step-towards-work/)
#### [Thirteen years of volunteering with Thames Reach: Huon’s story](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/06/04/thirteen-years-of-volunteering-with-thames-reach-huons-story/)
- [Blog](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/blog/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/06/04/thirteen-years-of-volunteering-with-thames-reach-huons-story/)
#### [How to help people sleeping rough in heatwaves](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/05/27/severe-weather/)
- [Blog](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/blog/)
[Learn more ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/2026/05/27/severe-weather/)
-
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- [1](#)
- [2](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/2/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [3](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/3/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [4](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/4/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [5](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/5/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [6](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/6/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [7](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/7/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [8](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/8/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [9](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/9/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [10](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/10/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750)
- [](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/2/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750 "Next page")
- [](https://thamesreach.org.uk/wp-cron.php/page/19/?doing_wp_cron=1789396647.5921111106872558593750 "Last")
---
### [Fundraising complaints](https://thamesreach.org.uk/fundraising-complaints/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
## **Fundraising Complaints Procedure**
If you wish to make a complaint relating to Thames Reach’s fundraising and marketing activity please contact us either by:
- Calling: 020 3664 9551
- Writing to the fundraising team at: Thames Reach, Employment Academy, 29 Peckham Road, Camberwell, London SE5 8UA
- Emailing
- You can also arrange to have a face to face meeting by contacting us on any of the above
Our procedure for communicating with you about your fundraising complaint will be as follows:
- If you call us every effort will be made to resolve the complaint over the phone unless further information is required to do so.
- However, if you prefer to make the complaint in writing (by post or email) or it cannot be resolved over the phone, then we will reply to you, in writing, within 15 working days.
- This letter or email will confirm that your complaint has been logged and it will let you know that it will be looked into and resolved within 28 working days.
- Details of the complaint are then logged in our Complaints Record.
- We will look into your complaint and we will notify you of the outcome, in writing, within 28 working days.
- If you are still unhappy with the outcome we will pass on all the information you need to refer the complaint to the Fundraising Regulator.
The response times mentioned above are the maximum response times – usually someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Even if you simply wish to raise an issue rather than make a complaint, e.g. you felt that our fundraising materials were unclear; we would still like to hear from you so we can improve our standard of our fundraising.
We record each complaint or issue raised to ensure that we are taking action when we should and that our fundraising is carried out in a manner that satisfies our supporters, volunteers and the public.
---
### [Lawful basis for processing data](https://thamesreach.org.uk/lawful-basis-for-processing-data/)
**Published:** October 9, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
The GDPR requires that Data Controllers establish a lawful basis for processing data. At least one of the following conditions must apply whenever personal data is processed:
**Consent:** the individual has given clear consent for us to process their personal data for a specific purpose
**Contract:** the processing is necessary for a contract that we have with the individual, or because they have asked us to take specific steps before entering into a contract
**Legal obligation:** the processing is necessary for us to comply with the law
**Vital interests:** the processing is necessary to protect someone’s life
**Public task:** the processing is necessary for us to perform a task in the public interest or for our official function, and the task or function has a clear basis in law
**Legitimate interests:** the processing is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of a third party unless there is a good reason to protect the individual’s personal data, which overrides those legitimate interests
---
### [Graham Drummond](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/graham-drummond/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Board Member
Graham started his career as an economics and business studies teacher. After working as an A Level examiner for the University of London Board (now Pearson), Graham held a number of managerial roles within national awarding bodies, including the Chemical Industries Association, where he was the development manager for an awarding body across the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
In 2002, Graham joined the Open College Network London, where he was Director of Quality and in 2005 he became the company secretary at Newham College. He joined City and Islington College as the Assistant Principal in 2008 and is now the Director of Governance for Capital City College Group, the largest Further Education Institution in London.
---
### [Becca Taber](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/becca-taber/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Board Member
Chair of the governance sub-committee. Becca is a senior civil servant, currently within the Department for Education as deputy director responsible for essential skills (English, maths and digital) for adults. Becca was previously deputy director for strategy in the Department for Levelling, Housing and Communities. Previous Civil Service roles include head of rough sleeping, private secretary to the minister for the Cabinet Office, and secretariat to the Civil Service Board.
---
### [Tony McBrearty](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/tony-mcbrearty/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Board Member
Regeneration consultant. Former Deputy Chief Executive at Thames Gateway London Partnership, former Head of Policy at the London Borough of Newham, and Senior Research Fellow at the University of East London.
---
### [Olukemi Jeboda](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/olukemi-jeboda/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Board Member
Olukemi is an experienced HR professional who has worked in a variety of sectors including Housing with the Hyde Group – a G15 Housing Association and Thames Reach partner organisation. She is currently the Director of People at Langley House Trust and serves as a non-Magistrate member of the Judicial Office Advisory Committee, an Enterprise Adviser partnering with career leads in schools and as a Coach and Mentor for several organisations.
---
### [Vasim Ul Haq](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/vasim-ul-haq/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Vice Chair
Chair of Finance Audit and Fundraising Committee. A Partner of Azets, an accountancy and financial services company and CEO of the Supportive Housing LLP.
---
### [Lee Lochab](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/lee-lochab/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Director of Finance and Central Services
Lee Lochab joined Thames Reach as Director of Finance and Central Services in October 2022. Lee started his career with Price Waterhouse, before qualifying with EY. Within the private sector, he became Finance Director for Carlton plc and then worked for Prince (now King) Charles as CFO at Duchy Originals. He has since gained over 20 years’ experience working in the charity sector, which includes running the finance team at Marie Curie, as well as being Finance Director at both Prostate Cancer UK and Malaria Consortium.
---
### [Kris Draper](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/kris-draper/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Director of Services
Kris Draper has been working for Thames Reach since 2015 – initially as service manager, and then as area manager and area director, before moving into the Director of Services post in August 2023.
Kris has frontline and management experience in street outreach, hostel and mental health services.
---
### [Bill Tidnam](https://thamesreach.org.uk/about-us/our-people/bill-tidnam/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Chief Executive
Bill has worked as a frontline worker in various roles, including: day centres, hostels, supported housing, and resettlement. He subsequently held a number of management roles at team and second tier management levels, before joining the Senior Management Team at Thames Reach in 2004, before becoming Chief Executive in 2018.
Bill has experience developing innovative new services, and of multi-agency working, including developing a range of integrated services. He is also experienced in using social finance to develop new housing offers to help people move on with their lives following homelessness or institutionalisation. He represents Thames Reach on the national Rough Sleepers’ Advisory Panel, and in the pan-London Life Off The Streets Executive Board.
---
### [Equality and diversity](https://thamesreach.org.uk/equality-and-diversity/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
### Definitions
The following definitions apply to terms in this policy:
“Organisation” means Thames Reach.
“Staff” means staff member, volunteer, student or any other person working for Thames Reach.
“Service user” means someone who is a past, present or potential user of any of the services offered by Thames Reach.
### Policy statement
**Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy**
Thames Reach is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for staff, service users and others associated with the organisation. Through our work with homeless and vulnerable people, Thames Reach is often at the forefront of identifying and tackling social exclusion. We are committed to advocating for and speaking out on behalf of those people or groups who are experiencing disadvantage or discrimination both ‘on the ground’ when providing support to individuals, and on a local and national level to influence policy and decision makers.
This policy identifies the organisation’s overall policy aims in relation to promoting equal opportunities, valuing and celebrating diversity, and inclusion, combating discrimination and ensuring that services are as accessible as possible. Its principles underpin a wide range of operational policies and procedures.
Thames Reach is committed to:
– Equality of opportunity. This means that in the provision of services, the selection of suppliers and contractors, and the employment of staff to provide these services, the organisation aims to ensure that no-one is unfairly discriminated against due to race, sex, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, social standing, history of homelessness, religious beliefs, refugee status, ethnic or national origin, marital status, type of contract, pattern of work or because of responsibility for dependents.
– Taking practical steps to identify inequality and discrimination, and address it by developing best practice.
– Complying with relevant legislation and learning from practice outside the organisation.
We believe that:
The services we provide will be enhanced by the diversity of staff, and recognise that we need to work as an organisation and as individuals within the organisation to promote and celebrate this diversity and harness its potential to improve the services we provide.
Taking positive action to meet the needs of specific groups facing discrimination can make a practical contribution to addressing discrimination.
This policy applies to all people who are accessing or are suitable for Thames Reach services, and anyone who undertakes work on behalf of Thames Reach including staff, workers, contractors, volunteers and Board Members.
**Legal Context**
Thames Reach’s policy operates within and fully complies with equality legislation that provides protection to people to ensure that they are not discriminated against in relation to employment, provision of services and access to accommodation. Areas where discrimination is legislated against include age, sex, gender, gender identity, disability, ethnicity and race, religion and belief, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.
Relevant legislation and further details on the legal context that Thames Reach operates within can be found in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Procedure.
Additionally the organisation will ensure that it strives for best practice to ensure that no group or individual is discriminated against.
**What Thames Reach will do – Core principles**
Thames Reach will seek to promote equality, value diversity and ensure accessibility by:
– Actively addressing discrimination and harassment. Thames Reach will ensure that everyone directly associated with our organisation – staff, workers, volunteers, service users, contractors, visitors – are aware of our commitment in these areas and how this policy affects them.
– Developing internal working arrangements and structures that will assist in the promotion of anti-discriminatory practices.
– Ensuring that local projects establish and maintain suitable systems to ensure that we can effectively monitor and evaluate compliance and progress in relation to promoting equality of opportunity and to report to the EDI group on performance in this area.
– Prioritising and supporting the work of the organisational EDI group to develop best practise and the systems and structures which underpin the aims of this policy.
– Ensuring that the accessibility of buildings, services and information is routinely reviewed and improved where possible, and that partner agencies (e.g. Housing Associations), are held accountable for their responsibilities in this area.
– Ensuring that homeless and vulnerable people who may routinely face difficulties accessing services are getting the help they need (e.g., those with complex needs, those whose behaviour is very challenging) are not unnecessarily prevented from being supported by the organisation.
– As a voluntary organisation, Thames Reach is not legally required to conduct Impact Assessments. However, as good practise, where the organisation is making significant changes to a service, strategy or working practice, we conduct Equality Impact assessments to ensure that we have assessed and managed the possible impact on homeless or vulnerable people, minority or socially excluded groups, staff and volunteers, and that we have not inadvertently created barriers or excluded people.
– Thames Reach will respond to breaches of this policy fairly and sensitively. (Please see policies on Disciplinary, Anti-Bullying and Code of Conduct for more detail on disciplinary action) The organisation recognises that working with a challenging service user group means that staff and other service users may face abusive behaviour. Where laws against discrimination appear to be broken, staff are expected to report this to the police, and to advocate for appropriate legal remedy, providing necessary information and statements to support this. Where an individual does not wish to press charges we will ensure that third party reports are made. If this is possible we will continue to work with service users to address the behaviour, reduce the risk of it occurring and support staff while minimising the extent to which this behaviour further excludes service users.
**Service Users**
Thames Reach is committed to ensuring equality of access and support for people who are in need of our services.
We will ensure that there is clear, accessible information about its services made available to those who may need it in suitable formats and places, such as service announcements translated into different languages and made available in a range of different community centres. We will make translation services available where these are necessary.
Service users or potential service users will always be treated with the utmost respect and fairness when coming into contact with Thames Reach services. If the service is not suitable for the individual the reasons will be explained clearly and the person will be given advice and guidance on their rights and where they can obtain the help they need.
Service users will receive support from Thames Reach that is:
– Non-judgemental and non-discriminatory
– Always delivered to the same high standard based up on their individual needs and aspirations
– Considerate and sensitive to each person’s background, beliefs and experiences
– Agreed upon and planned with service users so that they will be fully involved in the support they receive.
Thames Reach will ensure that where service users have experienced discrimination or exclusion they will receive support to challenge this and that Thames Reach staff will keep them informed of their rights and advocate on their behalf where necessary.
Thames Reach will investigate and treat any allegation of discrimination that occurs within Thames Reach services or on the part of Thames Reach services or staff with the utmost seriousness.
Thames Reach and local teams will ensure that they record enough information about their service users to properly analyse the make-up of the user group in terms of gender, age, sex, race, ethnic origin, sexuality, disability and special needs so that services can be targeted toward those who need them most and barriers to access can be removed.
**Training and Support for Staff**
Thames Reach will seek to develop and maintain a workforce that reflects the wider community within which we operate. (Please see recruitment policy for further details.)
The organisation will take positive and practical steps to remove any barriers to the participation of people who are currently under-represented as staff, service users, board members or contractors.
Thames Reach will ensure that staff, workers, volunteers and Board Members have equal access to relevant training and opportunities for development and that terms, conditions and that employment practices do not discriminate against any group.
Thames Reach will ensure that staff receive the appropriate support, training and advice to assist them to deal sensitively with:
– challenging discriminatory behaviour or practices
– providing support to those experiencing discrimination
If staff encounter harassment or discrimination either from service users, Thames Reach employees or other individuals while carrying out the work of Thames Reach, we will ensure that they are given support, that their rights are protected and that adequate steps are taken in order to tackle the behaviour and we will report behaviour that is a criminal offence and advocate for legal action.
**Recording and Monitoring**
Thames Reach will systematically collect, monitor and evaluate information about the characteristics and composition of its service users, staff, Board and job applicants to assist in the assessment of the implementation and effectiveness of this policy. This information will be provided in summary form to the SMT and the Board each year though appropriate sub-committees.
The central EDI group convenors will report directly to SMT on the EDI work plan and progress.
Individual teams will carry out an annual Equality Diversity and Inclusion audit of their service user group and its relationship with the potential user group, identifying possible discrepancies and the reasons for these, and any responsive actions will form part of the team’s work plan.
Equality diversity and inclusion practice and development is a ‘golden thread’ running through Thames Reach’s internal quality framework. Each team is audited annually as part of this process and results of these are reported to SMT and the Board annually. Adherence to this policy, organisational themes or training needs, good practice and projects receiving ‘Red’ grades in their internal audit are specifically highlighted as part of this reporting.
**Information and Confidentiality**
Thames Reach will share information with other agencies regarding service users where it is necessary to reduce risk, safeguard the wellbeing of the individual or others as part of a criminal investigation or hearing.
Thames Reach will collate and monitor statistical information about both employees and service users to allow consideration of the profile of the workforce and service users in terms of age, sex, gender, ethnic and racial origin, disability, sexuality and religious beliefs. This will be undertaken for the purposes of ensuring that marginalised groups are represented, that need is being identified and met and the workforce properly reflects the make-up of the wider community within which we operate.
---
### [Terms and conditions](https://thamesreach.org.uk/terms-and-conditions/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
## Terms and conditions
**(1) Introduction**
These terms and conditions govern your use of our website; by using our website, you accept these terms and conditions in full. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, do not use our website.
**(2) Intellectual property rights**
Unless otherwise stated, we or our licensors own the intellectual property rights in the website and material on the website. Subject to the licence below, all our intellectual property rights are reserved.
**(3) Licence to use website**
You may view, listen to, download for caching purposes only, and print pages, documents, images and audio files from the website, provided that:
(a) you must not republish material from this website (including republication on another website), or reproduce or store material from this website in any public or private electronic retrieval system, without our express written consent;
(b) you must not reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell, visit, or otherwise exploit our website or material on our website for a commercial purpose, without our express written consent.
**(4) Limitations of liability**
The information on this website is provided free-of-charge, and you acknowledge that it would be unreasonable to hold us liable in respect of this website and the information on this website.
Whilst we endeavour to ensure that the information on this website is correct, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy; nor do we not commit to ensuring that the website remains available or that the material on this website is kept up-to-date.
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law we exclude all representations, warranties and conditions (including, without limitation, the conditions implied by law of satisfactory quality, fitness for purpose and the use of reasonable care and skill).
Our liability is limited and excluded to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law. We will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising under these terms and conditions or in connection with our website, whether arising in tort, contract, or otherwise – including, without limitation, any loss of profit, contracts, business, goodwill, data, income, revenue or anticipated savings.
However, nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude or limit our liability for fraud, for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for any other liability which cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.
**(5) Restricted access**
We reserve the right to restrict access to areas of our website, or indeed our whole website, at our discretion.
If we provide you with a user ID and password to enable you to access restricted areas of our website or other content or services, you must ensure that that user ID and password is kept confidential. You accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your user ID or password.
We may disable your user ID and password if you breach any of the policies or terms governing your use of our website or any other contractual obligation you owe to us.
**(6) Discussion forums/page comments**
You must not use our website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the website.
You must not use our website in any way which is unlawful, illegal, fraudulent or harmful, or in connection with any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent or harmful purpose or activity.
You must not use our website for any purposes related to marketing without our express written consent.
You must not use our website to copy, publish or send mass mailings or spam.
You must not use our website to copy, publish or send material which is illegal or unlawful, or material which could give rise to legal action under English and other applicable law. All material you copy, publish or send via our website must not be defamatory, obscene, indecent, hateful, discriminatory or inflammatory; such material must not infringe any person’s intellectual property rights or rights of confidence, impinge upon any person’s privacy, or constitute incitement to commit a crime; further, material must not be misleading, sexually explicit, threatening, abusive or harassing.
We reserve the right to edit or remove any material posted upon our website.
We may take such action as we deem appropriate to deal with the posting of unsuitable material, including suspending or cancelling your account, restricting your access to our website, or commencing legal proceedings against you.
**(7) Variation**
We may revise these terms and conditions from time-to-time. Please check this page regularly to ensure you are familiar with the current version.
**(8) Entire agreement**
These terms and conditions, together with our privacy policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us in relation to your use of our website, and supersede all previous agreements in respect of your use of this website.
**(9) Law and jurisdiction**
This notice will be governed by and construed in accordance with English law, and any disputes relating to this notice shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.
These terms and conditions are based on a freely-available template created and distributed by [www.website-law.co.uk](http://www.website-law.co.uk/).
---
### [Accessibility](https://thamesreach.org.uk/accessibility/)
**Published:** September 25, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
Thames Reach is committed to making **www.thamesreach.org.uk** an accessible website, including for blind and visually-impaired users. We will continue to try to improve the accessibility of the site, and your feedback is important for this. If you think that there is an accessibility problem please [email us](mailto:website@thamesreach.org.uk) and explain the difficulties you are having. We will try to overcome any problems we are made aware of.
The site meets the Level One criteria for the Bobby test and is designed to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C’s) Web Accessibility Initiative Guidelines.
### Accessing PDF and Microsoft Word files
If you do not have Microsoft Word you can download a free [Microsoft Word viewer](http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/assistance/HA010449811033.aspx) from Microsoft.
If you do not have [Adobe Reader](http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html) you can download it free from Adobe.
Visually impaired users may have trouble reading PDF files with screen reader software. For information about accessing PDF files if you have a disability, [visit the Adobe access pages](http://www.adobe.com/enterprise/accessibility/main.html) or use the conversion tools on their website.
---
## Draw Attention
### [](https://thamesreach.org.uk/?da_image=36273)
**Published:** April 8, 2026
**Author:** Ana Rodrigues
---
## FAQ
### [What kind of gift can I leave? ](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/what-kind-of-gift-can-i-leave/)
**Published:** July 30, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
- A share of your estate (a residuary gift): After other gifts and expenses, you can leave a percentage of what’s left.
- A specific amount (a pecuniary gift): A fixed sum of money.
- A specific item such as property, shares or valuables.
**FAQ types:** Legacy page
---
### [How your gift will help](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/how-your-gift-will-help/)
**Published:** August 26, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
Your legacy could:
- Provide a safe place to sleep for someone rough sleeping.
- Fund outreach teams working directly on the streets.
- Support people to overcome mental health and substance use issues.
- Help individuals into employment and independent living.
**FAQ types:** Legacy page
---
### [Why leave a gift in your will?](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/why-leave-a-gift-in-your-will/)
**Published:** August 27, 2025
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
Legacy gifts are vital in helping us plan for the future.
Even a small percentage of your estate can make a big impact.
Your gift will ensure that long after you’re gone, people experiencing homelessness can rebuild their lives.
**FAQ types:** Legacy page
---
### [I am currently homeless or at risk of losing my home in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/test-faq-for-contact-page/)
**Published:** October 9, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
If you’re currently sleeping rough, or know of somebody who is, then please [visit StreetLink](https://thestreetlink.org.uk/).
If you’re looking for emergency housing advice, please call the free [Shelter Emergency Helpline](https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/helpline).
You can find a comprehensive list of various homelessness services via the search function on the [Homeless England](https://homeless.org.uk/homeless-england/) website.
You can also search for services by borough, along with finding contact information for your local authority, on the [Atlas of London’s Homelessness Services](https://www.lhfatlas.org.uk/introduction) website.
Unfortunately, most of our services are unable to accept self-referrals, but if you have any queries around any of our services please complete the form below.
**FAQ types:** Contact page
---
### [I'm currently sleeping rough in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/help-faq/)
**Published:** September 11, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
If you are sleeping rough, please visit Streetlink and choose the option to get help for yourself: [www.thestreetlink.org.uk](https://thestreetlink.org.uk/)
You can also find a comprehensive list of various homelessness services via the search function on the [Homeless England](https://homeless.org.uk/homeless-england/) website.
You can also search for services by borough, along with finding contact information for your local authority, on the [Atlas of London’s Homelessness Services](https://www.lhfatlas.org.uk/introduction) website.
**FAQ types:** Help page
---
### [I'm at risk of losing my home in London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/test-faq/)
**Published:** July 17, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
A local authority must take steps to help people at risk of homelessness within 56 days.
You can find contact information for your local authority, as well as search for homelessness services by borough, on the [Atlas of London’s Homelessness Services](https://www.lhfatlas.org.uk/introduction) website.
You can also find a comprehensive list of various homelessness services via the search function on the [Homeless England](https://homeless.org.uk/homeless-england/) website.
Emergency housing advice can also be found by calling the free [Shelter Emergency Helpline](https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/helpline).
**FAQ types:** Help page
---
### [Other enquiries](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/other-enquiries/)
**Published:** June 30, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
If you have another enquiry not related to the above, please [visit our contact page](https://thamesreach.org.uk/contact-us/).
Please be aware that, unfortunately, Thames Reach services are unable to take self-referrals. If you have any queries related to referrals, please follow the above link to our contact page and complete the form.
**FAQ types:** Help page
---
### [I would like to volunteer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/i-would-like-to-volunteer/)
**Published:** October 9, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
You can see our current list of volunteering opportunities [here](https://thames-reach.goassemble.com/opportunities/results).
**FAQ types:** Contact page
---
### [I would like to donate or fundraise](https://thamesreach.org.uk/FAQ/i-would-like-to-donate-or-fundraise-for-thames-reach/)
**Published:** October 9, 2024
**Author:** Joe Devine
**Content:**
You can donate and directly supported our work by [visiting our donation page](https://donate.thamesreach.org.uk/donation/~my-donation?_cv=1).
If you would like to get in touch with us about a fundraising opportunity. Please email:
**FAQ types:** Contact page
---
## Categories
### [Blog](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/blog/)
---
### [News](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/news/)
---
### [Real-life stories](https://thamesreach.org.uk/category/real-life-stories/)
---
## Tags
### [alliance](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/alliance/)
---
### [director](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/director/)
---
### [Lambeth](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/lambeth/)
---
### [lambeth alliance](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/lambeth-alliance/)
---
### [Mental Health](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/mental-health/)
---
### [Staff](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/staff/)
---
### [employment](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/employment/)
---
### [employment academy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/employment-academy/)
---
### [Employment and Skills](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/employment-and-skills/)
---
### [jobs](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/jobs/)
---
### [Prevention](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/prevention/)
---
### [Recovery](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/recovery/)
---
### [volunteering](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/volunteering/)
---
### [UNISON](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/unison/)
---
### [Hard to Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/hard-to-reach/)
---
### [health](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/health/)
---
### [housing](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/housing/)
---
### [Moving On](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/moving-on/)
---
### [physical health](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/physical-health/)
---
### [Thames Reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/thames-reach/)
---
### [government](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/government/)
---
### [Rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/rough-sleeping/)
---
### [Street Count](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/street-count/)
---
### [street homelessness](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/street-homelessness/)
---
### [Greenwich](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/greenwich/)
---
### [volunteer](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/volunteer/)
---
### [Business Plan](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/business-plan/)
---
### [intervention](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/intervention/)
---
### [croydon reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/croydon-reach/)
---
### [Outreach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/outreach/)
---
### [placement](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/placement/)
---
### [challenge event](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/challenge-event/)
---
### [event](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/event/)
---
### [Fundraising](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/fundraising/)
---
### [deptford reach](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/deptford-reach/)
---
### [Floating support](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/floating-support/)
---
### [lewisham](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/lewisham/)
---
### [Everyone In](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/everyone-in/)
---
### [PLACE](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/place/)
---
### [lambeth living well network alliance](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/lambeth-living-well-network-alliance/)
---
### [hostel](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/hostel/)
---
### [Hostels](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/hostels/)
---
### [CHAIN](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/chain/)
---
### [award](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/award/)
---
### [london homelessness awards](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/london-homelessness-awards/)
---
### [staying well](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/staying-well/)
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### [London](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/london/)
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### [london street rescue](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/london-street-rescue/)
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### [response](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/response/)
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### [move-on](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/move-on/)
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### [community](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/community/)
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### [cost of living](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/cost-of-living/)
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### [statistics](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/statistics/)
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### [funding](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/funding/)
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### [CLASS](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/class/)
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### [Discharge](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/discharge/)
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### [Healthcare](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/healthcare/)
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### [Hospital](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/hospital/)
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### [latin american](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/latin-american/)
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### [southwark](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/southwark/)
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### [southwark works](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/southwark-works/)
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### [Campaign](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/campaign/)
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### [Christmas](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/christmas/)
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### [homeless](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/homeless/)
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### [homelessness](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/homelessness/)
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### [Essentials Fund](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/essentials-fund/)
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### [Annual review](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/annual-review/)
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### [publications](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/publications/)
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### [what we do](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/what-we-do/)
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### [bexley](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/bexley/)
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### [bromley](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/bromley/)
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### [essential skills](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/essential-skills/)
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### [tech lending scheme](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/tech-lending-scheme/)
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### [temporary accommodation](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/temporary-accommodation/)
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### [East Surrey](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/east-surrey/)
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### [support worker](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/support-worker/)
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### [surrey](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/surrey/)
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### [women](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/women/)
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### [Board](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/board/)
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### [Trustee](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/trustee/)
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### [board member](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/board-member/)
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### [brent](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/brent/)
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### [supported housing](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/supported-housing/)
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### [rapid response](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/rapid-response/)
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### [asylum](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/asylum/)
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### [home office](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/home-office/)
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### [cold weather](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/cold-weather/)
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### [emergency](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/emergency/)
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### [severe weather](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/severe-weather/)
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### [sleeping rough](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/sleeping-rough/)
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### [SWEP](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/swep/)
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### [learning](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/learning/)
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### [literacy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/literacy/)
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### [Advisory panel](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/advisory-panel/)
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### [Charter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/charter/)
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### [Ending rough sleeping](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/ending-rough-sleeping/)
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### [Accommodation](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/accommodation/)
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### [Assessment Centre](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/assessment-centre/)
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### [residents](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/residents/)
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### [Vauxhall](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/vauxhall/)
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### [England](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/england/)
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### [figures](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/figures/)
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### [MHCLG](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/mhclg/)
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### [Charity](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/charity/)
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### [Night shelter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/night-shelter/)
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### [Shelter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/shelter/)
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### [honours](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/honours/)
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### [mbe](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/mbe/)
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### [Croydon](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/croydon/)
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### [Flat](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/flat/)
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### [Housing First](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/housing-first/)
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### [Tenancy](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/tenancy/)
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### [Brexit](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/brexit/)
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### [EU](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/eu/)
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### [European](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/european/)
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### [European Union](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/european-union/)
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### [Settlement](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/settlement/)
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### [coronavirus](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/coronavirus/)
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### [COVID-19](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/covid-19/)
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### [Open Letter](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/open-letter/)
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### [Statement](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/statement/)
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### [heathrow](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/heathrow/)
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### [greenhouse](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/greenhouse/)
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### [hackney](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/hackney/)
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### [lockdown](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/lockdown/)
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### [city of london](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/city-of-london/)
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### [Trainees](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/trainees/)
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### [traineeship](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/traineeship/)
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### [Think pieces](https://thamesreach.org.uk/tag/think-pieces/)
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## FAQ types
### [Help page](https://thamesreach.org.uk/faq-type/help-page/)
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### [Contact page](https://thamesreach.org.uk/faq-type/contact-page/)
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### [Legacy page](https://thamesreach.org.uk/faq-type/legacy-page/)
---