An Update From Our Chief Executive

I could not be more proud of our team, who have continued to adapt to the changing circumstances over the last few months whilst also coping with the impact of the pandemic on their personal lives. At times they have kept services going with a skeleton staff, as individuals and groups have had to self-isolate at various points. However, they have kept our services going, ensuring that some of the vulnerable people in Southend can get the support they need.

Our Outreach Team have still been working hard to get local people sleeping rough off the streets, whilst the Intensive Support Team helps people to move on to their own accommodation quickly and with the support needed to sustain their tenancies. This face-to-face support - conducted with everyone's safety in mind - has been really valuable to clients at a time when some other services have suspended in-person contact during lockdown.

Our emergency and supported housing teams are also ensuring that people staying with HARP can access the support and care they need to overcome homelessness for good. And we are making plans to adapt services again as life (hopefully) returns to some level of normality over the next few months.

I'm also delighted that we have been involved in the rollout of vaccinations to people who are homeless or recovering from homelessness. HARP's Day Centre recently transformed into a Covid-19 vaccination clinic and the team did a phenomenal job and we were delighted that so many turned out to get their vaccine and take this vital step to prevent the further spread of coronavirus. You can read more here.

We wouldn't be able to do all this without your support. Thank you!

Jackie Bliss, HARP CEO