Robes Project are partnering with a local council this winter season! From November, Robes will assist 35 guests staying in temporary accommodation at a time, 20 with recourse to public funds and 15 with no recourse. By April 2020 we strive to support 100 guests sustainably move on and out of homelessness. We will provide guests with advice services, support packages, hospitality and care.
We have begun to get in touch with our volunteer base, and welcome volunteer teams to participate in this exciting new project! Over 19 weeks on a rota, we will encourage shelter venues to get involved in creating support packages of essential items for the 35+ guests under our care.
Temporary accommodation where Robes Project will assist homeless guests
TUESDAY CLUB AT HOLY TRINITY CLAPHAM
Robes Project launched a partnership with Holy Trinity Clapham this October! We are running a drop-in advice service at Holy Trinity Clapham’s busy Tuesday food bank. We have seen two guests at the food bank secure accommodation within the three weeks we have attended. At Holy Trinity’s Community Hall nearby, Project Officer, Barina, and Robes volunteers are providing 40-50 hot lunches a week and support packages with essential items. This Tuesday partnership allows Robes to reach out to a wider group of people in need, and continue to invite Robes guests and previous guests to attend. Both the Robes Run volunteers and team at Holy Trinity Clapham are making this all possible through their dedication and help each week.
Marc, Advice worker, calling a benefits helpline
Barina, Project Officer, sorting the essential items
Volunteer chefs, Luke and Ian preparing curry and rice
MESSAGE FROM THE VERY REVD ANDREW NUNN, DEAN OF SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
As soon as the leaves begin to turn a shade of gold on the trees I realise that the Robes Sleep-out is approaching and the opening of our shelters. Both things excite me.
But this year we are all caught up in this dreadful pandemic and the restrictions under which we are living. But I am still excited. I’m already raising money from my friends who are sponsoring me to ‘Sleep-in’. It will be a novel experience, what I hope is one time only but it does mean that families can join in and people who could never make it to the Cathedral.
And where will I sleep? Well, the choice for me is the floor of the Cathedral, on my own, in that vast gothic space, or in the ‘Dog House’ in the Deanery back garden on Bankside (don’t worry I’m not evicting the dog, it’s just what we call the garden room). Wherever I will sleep I will do so knowing that I am supporting our friends, our guests who need as much care this year as in any year. I'm excited – I hope you are.
The Very Revd Andrew Nunn
Dean of Southwark
Donate to The Dean of Southwark's Just Giving Page
GUEST STORIES: TECH DONATIONS
This October we provided two Robes guests with electronic devices to facilitate their studies, develop communication skills and combat isolation.
One guest received a laptop, to help her complete college assignments. She hopes to achieve a further English qualification, with the aspiration of accessing training to work in early years education. Her conversations with a Check In and Chat volunteer, have encouraged her to pursue her goal.
Another guest, staying in an emergency hotel in Southwark, has received a tablet so he can practice his English, and video call his family.
If you have any laptops, phones, or tablets spare, please consider donating them to our guests this winter!
