Key Points:
- Havering Council partnered with the Salvation Army and local businesses to host a Street Homeless Community Drop-In.
- The drop-in provides vital support for rough sleepers, including free haircuts, chiropody, food, toiletries, mental health services, GP access, vaccines, and Hepatitis B screenings.
- Proposed by former rough sleeper Adrian Green, the initiative aims to improve health, well-being, and confidence for rough sleepers.
- Adrian Green shared his story of recovery and pride in contributing to the initiative.
- Councillor Natasha Summers praised the project, highlighting its role in helping those who previously rejected support.
- Generous donations from businesses such as Haircuts4Homeless, Co-op Harold Hill, and Specsavers Romford made the initiative possible.
- The drop-in will run monthly, every second Monday, at the Salvation Army, Romford.
What Is the Street Homeless Community Drop-In?
Havering Council, in partnership with the Salvation Army and local businesses, launched the Street Homeless Community Drop-In to support rough sleepers in Romford.
Held on Monday, 10 February 2025, the drop-in offered services to address the complex needs of rough sleepers, from physical and mental health support to basic necessities like food and toiletries.
Key health services included access to GPs, mental health support, vaccines, and screenings for liver conditions and Hepatitis B. The initiative also provided free haircuts, chiropody, and a safe, welcoming space to help rough sleepers regain confidence and self-respect.
Who Proposed the Initiative and Why?
The drop-in was the idea of Adrian Green, a former rough sleeper who turned his life around with help from Havering Council.
Adrian explained:
“Despite being what most consider to be a hard worker with my own home and window cleaning business, in 2018, I found myself abusing alcohol following the breakdown of my relationship.
“My circumstances became worse and worse due to drinking, and although I tried many times to stop, I couldn’t. This resulted in me ending up on the streets, where thankfully I got help from Havering Council’s Rough Sleeping Team and have been able to get my life back on track.
“Since then I have wanted to support rough sleepers and give something back to the community. That’s why I approached the Council about arranging the drop-in clinic.
“I feel homelessness can impact anyone, so I’m immensely proud to play a part in the development of the Street Homeless Drop-In clinic.”
What Is the Council’s Vision for the Drop-In?
Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Housing Need, emphasised the importance of the initiative:
“The new Street Homeless Community Drop-In builds on the already great work the Council and partners do to get individuals off the streets and help manage their complex needs.
“It’s been inspiring to meet Adrian who by sharing his experiences has been able to help us find new ways to support rough sleepers in the borough.
“We want the community drop-in to be another opportunity to help individuals who may have rejected earlier support, as we know some rough sleepers don’t always engage with the help offered.
“Thanks to all the kind donations and services from Haircuts4Homeless, Co-op Harold Hill, and Specsavers Romford, their generosity is helping make this project possible.”
When and Where Will the Drop-In Take Place?
The Street Homeless Drop-In clinic will run on the second Monday of each month at the Salvation Army in Romford.
The next session is scheduled for Monday, 10 March 2025.
How Can Businesses Support the Initiative?
Businesses interested in contributing to the project can email [email protected] to explore ways to support rough sleepers in Havering.
What Can Residents Do to Help?
Residents concerned about a rough sleeper can share details via StreetLink, a London-wide network aimed at connecting rough sleepers with the support they need.
This project exemplifies community collaboration in tackling homelessness and providing life-changing support for vulnerable individuals
