Ryan’s Story

Ryan became homeless during the pandemic after his relationship broke down and he faced financial insecurity. He had also been a victim of homophobic abuse, and due to his circumstances, his mental health was suffering. Despite his homelessness he was studying online for his degree in Engineering while living in the emergency accommodation where the Robes advice workers met him.

Our project officer and volunteers began providing Ryan with weekly support packages and phone calls, and the advice workers identified he needed support liaising with the local authority about move on options. After he found suitable accommodation, with enough space to study from home in, Robes arranged with the Landlord to pay for the first months’ rent in advance.

Robes staff organised for items to be ordered and delivered to his new home so it would feel comfortable. We provided move on items he needed, such as a fridge-freezer, television, hoover and iron. We continue to keep in contact with Ryan since he has settled in, and the advice team have been able to support him by signposting him to organisations in his new area which specialise in employment and training.

Mid-Winter Update

Welcome to our New Chair of Trustees

Paul Venning has been appointed Chair of Robes project in succession to George Martin who is stepping down having been involved since the project started in 2007. Paul took up his first role in the non-profit sector in 2012 as a community charity Trustee and his charity sector involvement has expanded ever since. In recent years he has worked with charities in a broad range of sectors including mental health & well-being, learning disabilities, refugee and asylum seekers, community welfare, homelessness and support for ex- offenders.

 He is an experienced business advisor specialising in mentoring, marketing, recruitment & retention, primarily in the consumer financial services, e-commerce, digital payments and professional services sectors. He is also an entrepreneur with direct involvement in organisations providing services to technology based start-ups and is a parish councillor. His earlier career included American Express, IPC Business Press in Southwark and British Steel. Paul gained his MBA from London Business School and is a longstanding member of the Institute of Directors.

“Firstly, an enormous thank you to George Martin for his energy and commitment over many years – quite simply, I believe without George there would be no Robes today. Secondly, I am delighted to have the opportunity to take on the responsibilities of Chair of Trustees for Robes. To say we face challenging times is of course an understatement, not just for us but particularly those who find themselves homeless in Southwark and Lambeth. The Robes legacy of compassion and care provided by our teams of dedicated volunteers across the boroughs has proved vital and, as we move on into 2021 facing both known and new challenges, this will undoubtedly continue to be essential as we support those who need our help, shelter and advice every day.

I am very much looking forward to meeting stakeholders and volunteers as we work together to continue the huge task ahead of us to support homeless people in our communities”.

– Paul Venning, Chair of Trustees

Thank you for your support

Words can’t express how grateful we are of our volunteers, partners and donors. To thank you adequately is impossible. We are in constant awe of your generosity and your determination to support us. Thank you so much for continuing to making a difference in the lives of our guests.

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