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, 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.

Upon entering Thames Reach Greenwich’s housing programme, 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 reestablished 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. Click here to learn more about this service.

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”.

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

Happy Volunteers’ Week!

The connection between homelessness and mental health is both expressive and alarming. According to a report by Homeless Link, 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. 

*Name has been changed to protect the individual’s privacy. 

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.

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: https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/chain-reports

• 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

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 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 to sign up, make a pledge, donate, or volunteer. Every small action adds up to the collective effort to end rough sleeping in London.

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 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 to sign up, make a pledge, donate, or volunteer. Every small action adds up to the collective effort to end rough sleeping in London.

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 now

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

Homelessness is a systemic and political failure. We find people who have fallen out of a broken system and we’re trying to put them back in. 

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