The Connection at St Martin's

27/08/2026

A big thank you to Sunshine Action UK for coming in to make 120 fortune bags for people using our services. ☀️

Packed with essential items including toiletries and food, the bags will be distributed by our Services Team and SET to people who need them.

The support is already making an impact beyond the bags too — our Catering Team has incorporated the donated canned goods into our breakfast menus.

Thank you to Sunshine Action UK for supporting our work and helping us provide practical essentials to people experiencing homelessness. 💙

25/08/2026

“I didn’t have to worry…”

🚶On this year’s pilgrimage, a pilgrim reflected on the things they didn’t have to worry about: finding food and shelter, carrying their belongings, knowing the way ahead, or feeling alone.

But their experience also made them think about the people who face these worries every day.

People who don’t have a safe way forward.
People who don’t know where their next meal will come from.
People who have nowhere safe to sleep.
People who live with the risk of losing their possessions or experiencing violence and abuse.
People who struggle to find safe and trusting relationships.

Their reflection is a powerful reminder of why we keep walking.

“So whilst I can, I’ll carry on walking, until I can truly stop worrying.” 💙

Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2026 Pilgrimage and helped raise awareness and support for people experiencing homelessness.

🚶‍♀️ Registrations for the 2027 Pilgrimage open in February.

21/08/2026

❌No one should have to spend Christmas sleeping on the streets.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a national drive to help people sleeping rough move off the streets by Christmas.

Behind the headlines are thousands of people facing homelessness across England, each with their own circumstances and experiences.

There’s a lot of work ahead, and it will take charities, councils, communities and government working together to make it happen.

We’ll be here, as we always are, supporting people through their journey away from the streets. ❤️

20/08/2026

Let’s give a big shoutout to our amazing volunteers! 💙

From helping serve meals and supporting our laundry service to getting involved in activities at our centre, our volunteers play such an important role in supporting our community every day.

Their time, energy and kindness make a real difference to the people we support — and they’re a huge help to our team too.

Thank you to every one of our volunteers for everything you do! 💙

18/08/2026

Run the streets. Change a life. 🏃‍♀️💙

Ready to take on London’s newest half marathon?

Join Team Connection for the Saucony Run Shoreditch Half Marathon on Sunday 20 September and run through the vibrant streets of East London — all while helping people experiencing homelessness move towards a safer, more stable future.

General entries are sold out, but you can still secure your place through Team Connection!

👉 Sign up to Team Connection and take on the challenge: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/upcoming-events/saucony-run-shoreditch-half-marathon-2026/

13/08/2026

☀️ Hot weather can be more than uncomfortable. It can be dangerous.

Swipe for 5 simple ways to stay cool and help others during a heatwave. 👉

For someone sleeping rough, finding water, shade or somewhere safe to escape the heat can be difficult.

Your donation can help us provide:
💧 Water
🧴 Sun protection
🏠 Safe spaces
🛏️ Emergency beds

Help keep people sleeping rough safe from the heat. Donate today: https://www.weatherappeal.com/

12/08/2026

🥵 Another heatwave. Another dangerous few days for people sleeping rough.

This is the 5th heatwave of the summer, and for people without a safe place to escape the heat, extreme temperatures can be dangerous.

Our teams are here to provide a safe, cool place, water and vital support to people experiencing homelessness in Westminster.

💛 If you haven’t donated to our Emergency Weather Appeal yet, now is the time.

👉 Donate today and help us be there for someone who needs us: https://www.weatherappeal.com/

11/08/2026

🌊Last Chance to join

Swim Serpentine 2026 is your chance to push yourself, take on something unforgettable and raise money to support people experiencing homelessness.

🏊 Open-water swim
📍 Hyde Park

Ready to make a splash? 👇
Sign up now: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/upcoming-events/swim-serpentine-2026/

07/08/2026

For more than 25 years, George experienced homelessness on and off, sleeping rough and struggling to find the support he needed.

Today, things are beginning to change.✨

Since returning to The Connection, George has moved into temporary accommodation and is working towards a permanent home. Alongside practical support like hot meals, showers and advice, regular psychology sessions have helped him begin to rebuild trust and cope with the trauma of homelessness.

"When people listen, it makes a difference." – George

Thank you to everyone who supports The Connection. Your generosity helps make stories like George's possible, giving people the chance to rebuild their lives with hope for the future.

🔗Read George's story and learn how your support changes lives: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/success-story/george/

05/08/2026

🌧️ What It’s Like to Face Homelessness Every Day

For many of us, homelessness feels unimaginable. But for others, it’s a daily reality — one where safety, warmth and food aren’t guaranteed.

When you’re sleeping rough, no two days are ever the same. Some days are unpredictable and unsafe. Others feel long and monotonous, with few ways to pass the time.

💭 “You’re not aware of time really… days and nights turn into all the same.” – Jade

From searching for somewhere safe to sleep, to finding a hot meal or simply a place to rest — every moment is about survival.

At , we’re here to make those days easier. Our day centre offers showers, food, warmth, and a listening ear — and our Outreach teams go out every day to check in with people on the streets.

Because no one should have to face another day like this alone.

🔗 Read more about what a day in the life of someone facing homelessness can look like: https://www.connection-at-stmartins.org.uk/news-item/a-day-in-the-life-homelessness/

A day in the life of someone facing homelessness can vary greatly. But what can homelessness look like on a day-to-day basis?