Our winter appeal
Currently 4,780 people are reported as rough sleeping in London – a dangerous increase of 18% from last year. SPEAR is a lifeline to those in our community who need a place to call home; individuals like Shane who we’ve supported from homelessness to independence.
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol activated in London
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated in London today as temperatures are forecast to fall below 0°C.
SPEAR celebrates International Men’s Day
This International Men’s Day, we are highlighting the importance of supporting men experiencing homelessness and the positive impact our services have on their lives.
Record levels of rough sleeping in London
A record total of 4,780 people were recorded as sleeping rough in London between July and September 2024.
Twickenham Hub reopened
Our Twickenham Hub office will be open again from Tuesday 22 October, following the successful completion of safety checks after a leak in our ceiling caused flooding and other damage.
Stadium Sleepout
We’re really excited to announce that SPEAR is the official charity partner of Fulham FC Foundation’s Stadium Sleepout at the iconic Craven Cottage Stadium.
Shane’s story: from homelessness to independent living
Shane found himself facing homelessness when irregular work meant he fell behind on his rent and was evicted from his housing association home.
Twickenham Hub temporarily closed
Unfortunately, we have had to temporarily close our Twickenham Hub office due to a leak in our ceiling causing flooding and other damage.
SPEAR signs open letter to Angela Rayner
We’ve joined 46 organisations to sign an open letter to Angela Rayner with a fresh call to tackle the inequalities faced by homeless women.
New accommodation now open in Kingston
We’re really excited to have two additional accommodation services up and running in Kingston which will ensure that our clients are getting the high-quality accommodation and support they need.
SPEAR supports new migrant homelessness briefing
We’ve joined over 75 organisations in supporting a new policy briefing exploring the key drivers of, and potential solutions to, homelessness amongst migrants.
Improving services for the homeless Roma community in Kingston
Last week SPEAR hosted a co-production event which brought together people from the Roma rough sleeping community and those working with them to better understand their needs and explore ways to improve our services in Kingston.
Yellow alert for hot weather in London
SPEAR is encouraging those rough sleeping to stay alert as they are more vulnerable and may need help to stay safe.
SPEAR signs joint letter to party leaders
We’ve joined over 50 homelessness organisations in signing Homeless Link’s letter to Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey
A joint letter to Ministers
Shortly before Parliament dissolved last month, we were one of 34 organisations who signed a letter to three ministers.
Kingston’s Celebrating Communities Awards
We were proud to have been nominated alongside EnhanceAble in the Working in Partnership Award at Kingston’s Celebrating Communities Awards
Thank you to all our volunteers!
This Volunteers’ Week we are celebrating the contributions our volunteers make to the lives of people sleeping rough in South West London.
Homeless Health Link Service shortlisted at Community Heroes Awards
Our Homeless Health Link Service was shortlisted in the Communities together category at Richmond Council’s Community Heroes Awards.
Making an impact
Our impact report for 2023 details the progress we’ve made supporting people experiencing homelessness in South West London despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Comic Relief and Red Nose Day 2024
From our Springboard project to days out filming, Comic Relief and Red Nose Day are helping us help more people escape homelessness.
International Women’s Day: Penny Wade
This year at SPEAR we celebrate International Women’s Day by remembering our founder Penny Wade.
London Charter to End Rough Sleeping
On Thursday 7th of December SPEAR’s CEO joined the launch of London’s first rough sleeping charter – the London Charter to End Rough Sleeping.
Our Health Link work last Winter
Winter is a particularly challenging time for people sleeping rough, with cold temperatures causing ill-health and exacerbating existing health conditions. We received funding from the South West London Integrated Care System to deliver Health and Wellbeing Days to people experiencing homelessness.
SPEAR’s Homeless Health Link Service celebrates new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund
This month, we are delighted to celebrate the start of a new three-year funding award from the National Lottery Community Fund towards our Homeless Health Link Service.
SPEAR’s Homeless Health Link Service Evaluation Tender
This invitation to tender invites proposals to evaluate SPEAR’s Homeless Health Link service.
Homelessness organisations warn of impact of not extending energy support
We’ve joined Homeless Link and other homelessness organisations to write to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Grant Shapps, warning of the “devastating” impact of not extending the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme beyond March 2023.
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) activated in London
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol has been activated today. Our Outreach teams are working with Local Authorities to find suitable, safe provision for any rough sleepers in South West London.
Health & Wellbeing Day Richmond
On Wednesday the 9th of November, our Homeless Health Link Service organised a Health and Wellbeing Day alongside the NHS and other healthcare professionals to provide access to healthcare to people experiencing homelessness and seeking asylum.
Trustees’ Week 07-11 November
Trustees’ Week is a time for us to thank the wonderful work our Trustees do at SPEAR. Following this year’s theme “making a difference in changing times”, our Trustee Charlotta talks about her role and what we can do for our communities.
World Homeless Day – 10 October 2022
This year, both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day (Monday 10th October) are taking place in the context of a cost of living crisis.
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SPEAR would like to thank the generous funding for our services from:
