Each day across all 32 London boroughs, our staff work with individuals to tackle the underlying causes of homelessness, such as poor mental health or drug and alcohol dependency.

Often that means being there for people at a critical time whether to prevent their eviction or help them off the street; to get them into drug or alcohol treatment or support them with their mental health; or to help them find a job and a flat so that the so that they can take the final steps to living on their own.

As IFF Research’s charity partner, I've been lucky enough to see their impact up close — including taking part in a sports day volunteering event. From cheering people on to getting stuck into the activities, it was a reminder of how much community means and I'm looking forward to getting involved in Hackney Half.