Volunteers from Christ Church Southwark organising clothes to give to guests.
WHAT WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
We are currently supporting the needs of our guests in temporary and permanent accommodation. We are continuing to adapt our services to meet the needs of our guests. Presently, we are liaising with Jo (Team leader from Holy Trinity Clapham) who organises weekly care package drop off to our guests. Our advice workers are also continually ensuring that our guests well being and health are supported during such a tough time. More importantly, we are working with our guests to ensure that we find long term sustainable solutions for our guests currently in temporary accommodation.
IMPACT THIS YEAR
Last year, we were able to move 42 guests out of 101 guests into long term accommodation. This year, despite the COVID-19, we were able to move 52 of our guests into long term accommodation. We also moved 28 of our guests into assisted COVID-19 emergency accommodation.
GUEST CASE STUDY
Martin joined Robes shelter in the second week of March. Moving to London to look for work, he hoped to set up a GP, find suitable housing, and receive guidance accessing services. Martin did not know anyone in London, and through Robes, made friends and connections. Soon after Martin joined Robes, the shelter had to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Robes contacted the local authority, who initially placed 10 guests in temporary rooms across London, including Martin. Martin was placed in an unfamiliar area and struggled to manage his health and well-being as the room was cramped and uncomfortable. Robes asked the local authority to relocate Martin as his room was inadequate and they immediately provided him with comfortable emergency accommodation in Camden. Martin was so much happier and felt less isolated despite the lock down. He was nearer a park to exercise in, and nearer a familiar high street. Before the shelter had to close, Robes referred Martin to The Refugee Council. After his first week in Camden, The Refugee Council offered Martin long-term, sustainable PRS accommodation in North London. The Refugee Council offered to pay the deposit and will work to support Martin throughout his new tenancy.
I would like to say thank you Robes staff, especially Dear Mark and Isabel. On behalf of God, thank you for supporting me, for six weeks more. Greatly appreciated and I do not know anyone as generous as your Robes Charity staff.
– Martin, Robes Guest 2020
ROBES FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
If anyone is interested to join the fundraising committee, we meet once every 6 weeks online and in person, we are looking for those with community fundraising experience. Please email robes.admin@robes.org.uk to find out more.
EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER LIST FOR NEXT SHELTER SEASON
If you are also interested in being an emergency volunteer for next shelter season, please fill the volunteer application form below. Please select Emergency Shelter Volunteer for “Which type of volunteer role would you like to apply for?”
Volunteer Application Form:
For further information, please email: volunteer@robes.org.uk