Emotional Support for the Homeless

Four in five adults who have slept rough in Britain have a history of depression and many have been abused as children.

 

On the streets

 

Central London Samaritans support people who find themselves homeless or living on the streets.  We go out into central London fortnightly on Monday evenings to offer emotional support to one of the most high risk populations in our city.

 

Although many charities provide food, clothes and blankets we offer the chance for people to be heard and the time for them to talk.  We go to food drops where large numbers of homeless people congregate to make sure we’re a regular presence for those who are in distress.

 

For practical support for people living on the streets we advise visiting The Pavement.

 

More than a third of homeless adults have attempted suicide.

 

Partnership with St Mungo’s

 

In November 2011 we started supporting residents at St Mungo’s Endell Street hostel.  Samaritans from the Central London branch now provide a drop-in service at the hostel every fortnight on a Thursday evening giving residents the chance to talk, in complete confidence, about whatever is on their minds.

 

‘I have used the service that the Samaritans provide and have found it so helpful.  Someone to talk to.  I suffer from depression and find it difficult to go outside so it makes a huge change that they come to my hostel.  Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone who you don’t know, who can’t judge you.  I’m so pleased that they come to see me.’

- St Mungo’s client

 ‘I am endlessly grateful and impressed by the wonderful work provided by Samaritans volunteers here at Endell Street.  By providing an onsite drop in service they can offer our clients confidential and impartial support but most importantly time to listen.  Clients regularly tell me what a wonderful service is being provided.  This partnership is raising awareness, breaking down stigma and offering ongoing support to a group of people in great need – I would like to say a huge thank you to all Samaritans volunteers for their sensitivity, flexibility and time.’

- Kate John, St Mungo’s

 

More information

For more information about our work with the homeless, contact Rosie Ellis, Outreach Volunteering Coordinator on 020 7439 1406 or email us at outreach@cls.org.uk.