Spires

Over the past few Decembers, we’ve made it a tradition to support organisations helping people experiencing homelessness at the coldest and hardest time of year. Last year we gave to The Passage, and the year before we gave to Hackney Night Shelter. You can read about those in the linked pages.

This year we’re continuing that commitment, but focusing on a smaller, deeply local organisation doing remarkable work in South London: Spires.

Spires supports people who are homeless, vulnerably housed or facing difficult circumstances. Their work focuses on giving people practical help, safety and a way back into stability.

They offer:

• A daily drop-in centre with hot meals, showers, clothing and a safe place to rest

• Housing and benefits support, including guidance on applications and navigating services

• Healthcare access, with help attending appointments and connecting to medical services

• A dedicated women’s service for women at risk of violence or exploitation

• Education and training sessions that build confidence and skills

• Outreach teams who go out early each morning to support people sleeping rough

Spires’ impact is significant for a charity of its size. Last year more than 1,000 people used their services. They served tens of thousands of meals, supported hundreds of housing and benefit applications, and made thousands of outreach contacts with people sleeping on the streets. Many of the people they work with move into safer accommodation or reconnect with vital services.

Supporting Spires this December means standing alongside people in our city who are facing real hardship, and helping a charity that provides practical, compassionate support every single day.