SHP Clients
#TeamSHP - The Circle Challenge
Fundraising for Single Homeless Project
Story
Meet #TeamSHP. 16 of our clients are taking on the Circle Challenge - walking, running and jumping the length of London’s Circle Line (21.2miles) to to raise funds to help other homeless and vulnerable people through the COVID-19 crisis.
The money raised will go to our Coronavirus Emergency Appeal, which is helping to keep homeless and vulnerable people across London safe amidst the outbreak. This includes covering the cost of emergency measures such as providing isolation rooms in hostels, protective clothing for staff and food parcels for our most vulnerable clients in the community.
The 16 clients involved all have lived experience of homelessness or housing difficulties themselves, but are keen to support others during this time.
Simon, 22, the youngest member of the team, became homeless in late 2018 after his relationship with his family broke down. After rough sleeping, he was supported by our young people service in Lewisham in supported accommodation.
“SHP have been brilliant during lockdown. The team call me every other day to check up on me, so I don’t feel isolated. I want to support them because they have supported me, and I want to help them keep other clients safe too." - Simon
Peter, 74, is a client of our community-based support service in Islington is always getting involved. Earlier in life Peter studied at the London School of Economics and did a Masters at Cambridge, but after his wife and child were killed by a drunk driver, he suffered from alcohol dependency and experienced homelessness.
"After that I never really recovered. I turned to alcohol and even slept on the streets for a few months. Since coming to SHP, they have helped me maintain a tenancy and given me the opportunity to take part in lots of activities.
“Due to my age and a recent Parkinsons’ diagnosis, I am quite vulnerable to coronavirus. I don’t leave my flat except to get essential items and to get a little exercise every few days, so the challenge will keep me motivated" - Peter
Simon and Peter are just two of the clients below. Meet the team below - we'll be sharing their stories, quotes and photos of the challenge as they progress.
- Bernie, Dawn, Amo & Peter – Islington Community Support
- Michael, Tracey, William, Doug & Mark – Camden Hotels
- Anthony & Danny – Wandsworth Hostels
- Annie – Hackney
- Slav – Redbridge Hostels
- Gary – Islington Hostels
- Simon – Lewisham Hostels
- Jamie – Westminster Hostel
"I’m excited to take on the Circle Challenge as want to help SHP who have done so much to support me. I really enjoy walking so I’ll be completing the challenge on daily walks to Regents Park and Primrose Hill." - Michael, 68
