March - 2020

Coronavirus Update: Changes to Services for Rough Sleepers & Local Homeless People

The government has launched an initiative to make sure all rough sleepers are accommodated to enable social distancing and, where required, self-isolation. Here are the latest updates related to HARP and wider services for homeless people in Southend: All rough sleepers to be accommodated in local B&Bs Over the last few weeks, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has been working with partner agencies to accommodate all rough sleepers. HARP is working with the Council to ensure th

Charity Shops Closed Until Further Notice

Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, we have taken the difficult decision to close all of our charity shops with immediate effect. All of our shops will be closed for a minimum of two weeks from 23rd March 2020 and possibly longer, depending on how the situation develops. This is to ensure the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and customers, as well the wider community, as we all work together to try to reduce the spread of the virus. Please note that there will

COVID-19 Health Crisis: Support HARP's Emergency Appeal

Coronavirus or COVID-19 is proving devastating for many organisations, including HARP, as we are forced to cancel fundraising events, close charity shops, and deliver services with fewer staff and volunteers because of the required social distancing and self-isolation measures. But those who are rough sleeping, homeless or at risk of homelessness in Southend still need our help! Can you help us get through the crisis and keep local homeless people safe? Please support our

Coronavirus: Staying Safe if you are Homeless or Rough Sleeping

As you will have seen in the news, the Government yesterday announced that the UK's response to the Coronavirus outbreak has moved into the "delay" phase, and as such, the guidance for the public has changed. At HARP, we are aware that it may not be easy or even possible for people who are homeless or rough sleeping to follow the same advice as the general public when it comes to coronovirus or COVID-19. However, those without a home are some of the most vulnerable members of

"Volunteering is good for me" says Simon

A Day in the Life of HARP's Transitions Coordinator

Catherine is the Transitions Coordinator for our complex needs and supported housing projects, which includes 49 bed spaces across six different properties. Here, Catherine shares more about her role. What's the first thing you do when you get to work? "I start by checking the previous day’s update and handover, then see what’s in the diary as I could be doing anything from going to a meeting at the council to cooking for 27 people if a volunteer can’t come in. My to-do list

HARP pays tribute to Noel Kelleway - “Mr HARP24”

Staff, volunteers and supporters of HARP have been shocked and saddened by the death of Noel Kelleway, a passionate supporter of our charity who passed away recently following a short illness. Noel is a co-founder of HARP24, our annual 24-hour relay challenge, which started in 2012 and is still going strong. The event has grown from 35 participants in 2012 to 470 in 2019, raising over £105,000 for HARP’s work helping local people to overcome homelessness for good. Noel’s enth