I hope that you and your loved ones are keeping safe, well and happy. I am certainly looking forward to life getting back to a level of normality over the coming months.
One year on from when we entered the first lockdown, it probably feels like life has been put on pause. But at HARP our services have been needed more than ever and our frontline team has continued to go above and beyond to help local people facing homelessness to turn their lives around, so I hope you enjoy the latest edition of our newsletter.
In this edition, you can read about how Clive has turned his life around after living in a boatshed with no heating or running water, why Moira and Steve love volunteering, and a day in the life of Jennie, our Rough Sleeper Coordinator.
I share a quick update on the work happening at HARP over on our blog. You can read it here.
The whole HARP team has been blown away by the kindness and generosity shown by our supporters in the local community over the last year. So I'd like to take this chance to thank you for all your support now and throughout the year.
With very best wishes,
Jackie Bliss
HARP Chief Executive
“I know with the support of HARP I will be fine,” Clive's Story
57-year-old Clive* was born and bred in Leigh-on-Sea and suffers with arthritis, epilepsy and hypertension. Before finding HARP, he spent five years living in a boatshed with no heating or running water but he has now moved into his own place with HARP's help. Read Clive's story here
A Day in the Life of our Rough Sleeper Coordinator
Jennie supports our team of five Intensive Support Workers, who work with local people to get them off the streets and into independent accommodation as quickly as possible, as well as supporting HARP clients to sustain their tenancies when they move on. Read more
“It’s nice to be able to give something back”
Steve and Moira have been volunteering for HARP for seven and four years respectively. Moira in the kitchen at our Day Centre and Steve doing odd jobs before volunteering in “The Shed,” our food, toiletries and clothing bank for people experiencing homelessness. Read more
Ways to get involved
Our Spring Walk is Going Virtual
We may not be able to walk together this year but you can still take steps to help local people to overcome homelessness. Simply walk three miles or more along the route of your choice any time during the Easter Holidays to raise vital funds for local people facing homelessness. Perfect if you're looking for ideas to keep the family occupied over the Easter Holidays or if you want to make your daily walks count. Find out more and sign up
How far can you run in 24 hours? HARP24: 19th & 20th June
This year, HARP24 will be a virtual event so that as many people can take part as possible whatever restrictions are still in place in relation to coronavirus. You can sign up as a solo runner or a team to test your stamina and see how far you can run in a 24 hour period. Sign up now!
Run the Vitality London 10,000 for HARP in May
We have five places in the scenic Vitality London 10k race. The event organisers are optimistic that they will be able to run the event in person, so if you are missing the buzz of running with other people and a 10k race is on your post lockdown bucket list apply now! Claim your place!
Even more chances to win with make a smile lottery
Our charity lottery partner, make a smile lottery, is increasing their prize fund with a rollover of up to £25,000 and twice as many guaranteed cash prizes up for grabs between £10 and £1,000. Find out more and sign up
We know that many people have been impacted financially by the pandemic. But if you were able to, a regular gift would help to give HARP the financial stability we need to continue helping people to stay off the streets for as long as we're needed. If you can help, please set up your regular gift here.
We couldn't do it without you!
Thank you to everyone who continues to support us during this difficult time. There are so many people we want to thank for their dedication to helping local homeless people. Here are just a few:
Ipeco • Bridgepoint • Essex Community Foundation • Victoria Ladies Bowling Club • St Christophers School • St Thomas More School • St Helens Primary School • Ashingdon Primary Academy • Lancaster School • Southend Parks Bowls Club • St Peter’s Church • Asda • AER Integrates Solutions • Caravan Club • Thames Mouth Lodge • St Aidans Church • St Augustines Church • Hockley and Hawkwell Methodist Church • Christ Church Rayleigh • St James the Great • Holy Trinity • Mark One • Howdens Joinery • Leigh on Sea Rotary Club • Furniture Outlet • All Terrain Mobility • Westcliff Rotary Club • Eastwood Lions • Lidl Southend • Co-Op Leigh Road & London Road • Morrisons Eastwood • Tesco Southend • Southend Emergency Fund • Sainsbury’s Rayleigh Weir • Southend Hospital • Hand on Heart WWP • Johnsons Workwear • St Katherine’s Lodge • Thorpe Bay Lodge • Southend on Sea Lodge • Serving the Homeless • St Andrews & St Peters Church Shoebury • Buns Bros • Will Merrion • Essex & Suffolk Water • Rory O’Ryan • Higgins Partnerships • Southend High School for Boys • Newtons Group And all our amazing donors and supporters!
There are so many people and organisations that support us, if you were not included above please forgive us and accept our sincerest thanks.
Our mailing address is:
Head Office - 4th Floor, Dencora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2BB
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