Christmas is coming! Our virtual advent calendar is launching on our social media channels today, featuring original poetry written by people with lived experience and performed by service users, volunteers and members of the SSJ team.

The poems communicate different aspects of homelessness, covering topics including drug misuse, mental health issues, and addiction recovery.

The calendar also shows how you can donate to specific causes, such as buying a hot meal or a Christmas gift for our service users. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) to unveil the advent doors throughout December!

This Christmas, Society of St James aim to raise £15,000 to help support people experiencing homelessness in Southampton, Portsmouth and across Hampshire. We hope that this appeal will help to break the stigma surrounding homelessness and fund essential services and support for vulnerable people this Christmas and throughout the year.

SSJ will be working with local businesses to encourage fundraising events such as Christmas Jumper Days and cake sales to help reach our £15,000 target. The charity urges businesses to share photos of their fundraisers on social media, tagging them and using the hashtag #SSJChristmas.

Chief Executive Trevor Pickup said:

 “Homelessness is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects thousands across our region. Many people face stigma, discrimination, and isolation because of their housing situation. They are often blamed for their own misfortune, or ignored by society.

But we believe that everyone deserves dignity, respect and compassion. That’s why we are launching this campaign to raise awareness and funds for our work with people who are homeless and are facing multiple problems. We want to show them that they are not alone, that they are valued, they have hope for the future and that we will carry on supporting them despite what can often present as a protracted and cyclical journey to independence.”

To get involved, visit our social media channels today, or visit our dedicated Christmas Appeal page to view our fundraising packs and learn more about our fundraising goals.

SSJ provides a comprehensive range of services, including hostels, transitional housing, substance misuse services and an academy of life skills classes, volunteering, sport and craft opportunities. By successfully implementing these services, the organisation challenges the stigma associated with homelessness, provides support and rehabilitation, and promotes sustainable solutions to reduce the number of individuals experiencing homelessness.

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We are looking for Trustees who are as committed as we are about tackling social disadvantage and supporting people to realise their full potential. To enhance our current Board of Trustees and continue to develop our governance, we are looking for individuals with a breadth of key skills, knowledge and experience in the public or private sector, but particularly in the following areas:

• • housing
  • property
  • environmental issues
  • fundraising
  • finance

Current Trustees describe their role within SSJ as enriching and rewarding.  In exchange for their time and commitment, new Trustees can expect to:

• Help set the strategic direction of a £15 million organisation, employing over 350 people across Hampshire
• Make a valued contribution to the charity sector
• Acquire new insights, broaden their experience and meet new people
• Contribute to the development of others through the sharing of skills and experience

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Nicky Cantello on 023 8063 4596 or nicky.cantello@ssj.org.uk for a full Role Description and/or an informal discussion. You can also download the role description HERE.

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Inspired by the IOM Snowdon trip, committed and brave fundraiser, Lenny Court, aged 9, also decided to climb Mount Snowdon in July to raise funds to support people who have been rough sleeping.

Lenny has been supporting our work since he was 5 collecting donations to help the homeless starting with 100 coats in 2019, 200 hats, gloves and scarfs in 2020, 300 shoes in 2021 and 400 toiletry items in 2022.  For 2023 he is aiming to raise £500 to buy welcome packs for rough sleepers moving into temporary accommodation.

Lenny’s dedication and determination were truly inspiring. With the support of his mum, Rachel, and a heart full of compassion, he tackled the mountain with the spirit of a true adventurer. “We had such a brilliant time,” Rachel shared. “Lenny was up that mountain like a whippet! He was so proud of himself, chatting with anyone and everyone about what he was doing and who for. It was just brilliant!”

Climbing Snowdon was no easy feat, but Lenny refused to give up. The purpose behind his climb served as a driving force, pushing him forward even when the going got tough. “I never gave up,” added Lenny. “I was thinking about all the homeless people I could help get off the streets and have better lives.”

Lenny’s heartfelt efforts touched the hearts of many, and the response was overwhelming. Not only did he achieve his initial goal of £500, but he went above and beyond, raising a total of £1170! His dedication and the generosity of those who supported him meant that more rough sleepers would receive the essential welcome packs they deserved.

Lenny’s journey reminds us all that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference in our society. He proves that a small act of kindness can create a ripple effect of compassion and change. We are immensely grateful to Lenny for his selfless commitment to improving the lives of others.

Thank you, Lenny, for being a shining example of how one young heart can make a big impact. Your efforts have not only provided tangible support to those in need but have also shown us the true meaning of compassion and empathy.

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What does Christmas mean to people who are affected by homelessness? Do they notice the bright lights, do they watch people walk by – Christmas shopping in the cold evenings? Do they wonder what might happen if they had the chance to enjoy a traditional Christmas, as we do, with friends and family?

The answer to the above is yes, but it is also complicated – with many more emotions and feelings playing a part in how people affected by homelessness feel about Christmas.

Last year we asked service users what Christmas means to them. Their replies ranged from exciting to scared and lonely. This isn’t unusual – as every person at SSJ is an individual with their own feelings and thoughts. Whilst some may look forward to our traditional Christmas Meal – provided thanks to our appeal – others may have thoughts of regret relating back to missed opportunities or lost loved ones which mean they find Christmas challenging.

Senior Support Worker Lucy recently spoke to Barry, who has been in our services for a while now, and his thoughts on Christmas show that all kinds of memories can resurface at this time of the year.

Barry said; “Christmas it is horrid, if it was a colour it would be black. It’s a very emotional time. There is a photo of my mum and dad sitting on a step in black and white from 1967, near Christmas time in 2015, I went back to the step and slept on it due to a relationship breakdown, and my mum had passed away.

“People helped me over Christmas time when I was homeless, someone brought me out a Christmas dinner one year, people gave me lots of jumpers, jackets and money which I was very grateful for.”

Barry continued; “now I am temporary accommodated, Christmas is still a hard time due to bereavement and mental health however I am working on myself and have better people in my life who support me now I am kind of looking forward to Christmas. “

Barry speaks about how Christmas can feel like the colour black, but ends with the fact that there is now a support network in his life – and the Christmas Meals Appeal gives us the chance to show Barry that Christmas can be a positive time of the year – and who knows what that good feeling might do for Barry in 2022.

Even for us, those who are lucky to have a home and a family to go home to at Christmas – this time of the year can be complicated, stressful and challenging. Those feelings can be multiplied for people who have a history of homelessness – some who are facing complex health issues too – meaning Christmas can feel incredibly daunting and very lonely.

Our appeal will provide a gift or a Christmas meal to people affected by homelessness, but most of all it will be provide hope.

Please support our appeal by clicking here.

If you want to find out more about our appeal – email Dennis.Jones@SSJ.org.uk

Thank you for your support this Christmas. 

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We are fast approaching Christmas and people are already busily following street lights under the haze of the cold evenings, watching the displays in windows as they search for a gift to share with their loved ones which tells them they are not alone.

Christmas for most people is a time of reflection and joy. It’s a time when we can come together and recognise how lucky we are to be able to enjoy time with friends and family, reflecting on the year behind us and focusing on celebrating of love, forgiveness and togetherness.

It’s the opposite for those in our care as they come to grips with a Christmas away from the comforts of a warm home. They won’t be unwrapping presents in front of loved ones, they won’t be anticipating the taste of a cooked bird and the feast that accompanies it and they won’t sit back reminiscing with family members about days gone by.

Donate to our 2021 appeal by clicking here

By supporting our Christmas appeal, you’re providing hope, happiness and a little bit of the Christmas spirit to people who have and expect nothing at a time of year where loneliness can impact mental health and emotional wellbeing.

If you want to read more about our Christmas Appeal, visit our dedicated page and read about Jason’s journey – from homelessness at Christmas to the support he has received from The Society of St James, where he is now planning for a better and brighter future and a Christmas he can enjoy in 2021.

In 2020 we were able spend £4,500 on Asda Gift Vouchers for residents, approximately £4,200 on Christmas dinners for residents with suitable facilities, and where this wasn’t possible the Cafe in the Park produced a special Christmas hamper which was distributed to residents. Many residents were able to enjoy spending time with other service users and the true spirit of Christmas was in place for those who benefited from the 2020 campaign.

Donate to our campaign by visiting this link and help us raise £10,000 in 2021.

If you want to support our campaign or would like more information, email Dennis.Jones@SSJ.org.uk 

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Autumn, Winter and Christmas is an important time for us at SSJ – as we start thinking about the colder nights, rain, snow and other elements that may affect people during the darker nights.

It’s also at this time that we start planning for the launch of our Christmas Campaign (October 15th) which follows directly on from World Homeless Day on October 10th.

We have many stories we want to tell during these winter months – and once again we will be committing to raise money for our Christmas Meal Campaign, as we have done every year.

How you can help?

We are looking for community groups, businesses and anybody who wants to support us this Christmas to get in touch and let us know they want to support our Christmas Meal Campaign. The appeal will be going live on October 15th – and we want to give you the heads of as to what to expect, how much we need to raise and what will be happening during the winter months.

If you’re looking for a challenge this winter, please think about committing your support to our Christmas Campaign and help provide a more positive future for people affected by homelessness.

If you want to support us, email Dennis.Jones@SSJ.org.uk – we’d be happy to give you a call for a chat. We’re planning a Zoom meeting before the launch to talk about our Christmas plans, if that interests you email Comms@SSJ.org.uk (Headline: Christmas Talk) and we will add you to the list and let you know the details.

Ideas: Winter runs, fundraising evening, concerts, quizzes, staff events & more.

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A Gran Fondo (Italian for ‘Big ride’) is a 100km cycle ride and with technologywithin boasting a number of keen cyclists amongst their staff, they wanted to hold an event that would appeal to their cycle loving clients and friends along with raising funds for a great cause. On the day they were joined by a host of other riders from the worlds of technology, flexible workspace and commercial real estate at the start line, on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire.

The route took in some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK with the riding group accommodating both the quicker riders and those that preferred to go at a more relaxed pace. The warm weather meant that conditions were perfect for the ride, and everyone was able to enjoy the surroundings as they sped along.

The finish line was back at technologywithin’s HQ and before they crossed it riders were treated to pitstop at a nearby New Forest country pub to discuss the ride and enjoy some well-earned refreshments.

Jon Seal, Managing Director at technologywithin said “It was great to get out and ride with our clients and colleagues. The best part of the day was seeing everyone come together for a great cause. We were delighted to be able to raise £375 for the Society of St James to help them continue the fantastic work they do helping vulnerable people across Hampshire”.

Speaking on behalf of The Society of St James, Dennis Jones said: “We would like to thank Technologywithin and all the riders for their efforts in raising money for SSJ.

“This money will go towards supporting people without a home – making huge difference to our service users.

“SSJ has a history of providing service users with the opportunity to enjoy bike rides as part of their own wellness journey and this story and the efforts by Technologywithin will also inspire our service users.

“Thank you from all at SSJ”

If your organisation would like to raise funds to support those who are vulnerable in Hampshire please contact Dennis.Jones@SSJ.org.uk

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Our care homes are an integral part of our support services; working with people with alcohol dependency as well as complex mental health needs, we provide both long-term care and specialist, intensive respite. Dom was one of our residents. He was at Linden House for a short period of time and we want to share his story as part of the build-up to our 50^th anniversary in 2022.

Dom came to live at Linden for a short time after being in hospital – he had become poorly, could not look after himself so well anymore, he needed a place to stay to recuperate and have support to get back on his feet.  I caught up with Dom on the last few days of his stay at Linden House, he let me know –

‘’I felt down and depressed, hit rock bottom and the only way was up and I got a place at St James Care at Linden House after being in hospital.

“It was a bit strange at first, I felt a bit odd, I felt like I wanted to leave, but I spoke to my social worker and she came out to see me, I felt better then. I’m just not used to people, but it was only like that for the first few days.

“I started to get to know people and staff chatted with me and helped me. Staff started to take me to the chemist to get my prescriptions, they were very kind, easy to speak to, I opened up more and more.  I could just get on, I took small steps at a time, staff helped me to go shopping too and I helped in return around the home, I really enjoy doing things like helping others, I got on with everyone there.

“I got back my dignity and pride. And now I’m looking forward to going back to my flat. Everyone at St James Care has helped me get back on my feet again, I’m really grateful, it’s the honest truth”.

All at Linden House will miss Dom’s bubbly, lively character, how he was always looking out for everyone around him. Dom was also supported throughout his stay by Callum from Two Saints and by CGL, and his Social Worker Sarah, who had thanked staff for how much difference they had made to Dom’s life with the support they had given.

Everyone pulled together to help him overcome complications with his health and medications, his finances and generally looking after himself.  We wish Dom well in the future and he’s hoping to return to Linden House to see us soon.

Debs – Senior Shift Leader at Linden House

Photos: With Lyn – Support Worker – With some of the staff, saying thank you and goodbye!
With Callum Intensive Support Worker from Two Saints, – leaving Linden House

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Having social areas where our service users can de-stress, relax and take time out is an important part of their journey. Just as we all enjoy gardening or being in spaces that make us feel relaxed and motivated, it is equally as important that we are able to provide the same foundations for those who have a history of homelessness.

A recent article by the Guardian spoke about this, saying that “research has shown that mindfulness exercises that focus one’s attention on the here and now and stop our minds wandering to the past or worrying about the future are an important therapeutic tool.”

At the Society of St James, we believe that providing a home, a garden, or a place that makes somebody feel good about themselves is part of their ongoing journey which gives them hope and makes them feel good about their future.

Thank you to Brodie and his team for their invaluable work to support people affected by homelessness.

Find out more about Green Fingers Gardening Specialists here

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The year started with news that we had passed our goals for our 2020 Christmas Campaign, which meant that we were able to use that money to provide meals for people affected by homelessness, whilst the money raised in excess of the original target was used to help service users on the road to recovery. We are all aware that December was challenging for many of our supporters so the support you showed last Christmas meant a great deal to us.

We also published an interview with the Senior Management team, who spoke about the challenges faced during 2020, as well as the plans ahead for the charity and what this means for the next chapter in the history of SSJ as we move towards our 50th year in 2022. As well as this we shared stories about some of our partnerships, including one with Abri.

We also spoke to Liam, a service user, who told us that his cry for help was listened to – and that SSJ played a massive part in his recovery. Liam sent an emotional message of thanks to Hannah in his interview saying “Hannah I wouldn’t be where I am without your help over the last few months, you helped me achieve my goal of being clean and sober. I’m hugely grateful and will be for the rest of my life”

We also told the story of service users who had the opportunity to head to the Isle of Wight for a team-building bike ride to build confidence and help improve mindfulness.

And we recently shared the exciting news about new contactless donation hubs which are situated across Southampton thanks to the Street Support Network and Go! Southampton. A third of the money raised will go to SSJ – with two other charities also receiving the same from the new initiative to help tackle homelessness.

There are so many more stories we will be telling this year – from supporters to service users, as well as fundraisers and staff. Why not tell us about your story? Email Comms@ssj.org.uk and let us know your story.

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