Havering Council in partnership with the Salvation Army and borough partners has hosted a new homelessness drop-in centre for rough sleepers.
The drop-in, which took place at the Salvation Army, Romford, on Monday 10 February 2025, aims to improve the health and well-being of rough sleepers thanks to the generous donations from business and partners.
The donations from local businesses provide the basic necessities including free haircuts, chiropody, food and toiletries, all with the aim of helping to support the needs of rough sleepers and to build up their confidence and self-respect.
The health and wellbeing support on offer included mental health services, a GP, vaccines, safe drug use products, liver and Hepatitis B screening.
The Street Homeless Community Drop-In was proposed by former rough sleeper, Adrian Green, who has since gone on to establish a secure life locally. Adrian, said:
“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 know first-hand the challenges of being a rough sleeper and the impact it can have on mental health.
“This will go a really long way in creating a warm space, with access to vital services and people who understand the issue.
“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.”
Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Housing Need, said:
“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.”
If you are concerned about a rough sleeper, please share details via Streetlink, a London-wide rough sleeper network that helps in getting them off the streets.
The Street Homeless Drop-In clinic will take place on the second Monday of each month at the Salvation Army, Romford.
Next month’s will take place on Monday 10 March 2025.
If you are a business and want to find out ways you can support rough sleepers in Havering, please email communityconnectors@havering.gov.uk.