A few weeks ago, we gathered in the wonderful main theatre at The Albany to launch our five-year strategy. 999 Club is just that – a club! And everyone is a Member. The morning really brought that to life, demonstrating just how broad our Membership is: trustees, staff, volunteers, donors, the Members’ Committee, local residents, partner organisations, NHS and council … Read More
One Year at 999 Club: Taking Stock, Looking Ahead
Today I celebrate one year at 999 Club. It’s a cliché, but time has genuinely flown. First and foremost, I want to thank all our Members – service users, staff, volunteers, donors, partner organisations and supporters – for warmly welcoming me into the role and into the sector. Taking stock Before I joined, 999 Club had undergone significant change and … Read More
Public Humiliation isn’t a Public Service
A recent experience painfully illustrated how misunderstood homelessness still is and why the work of the 999 Club is so vital. I was on a packed rush-hour train from central London to the South East. A man walked into the carriage and began explaining to fellow passengers that he was hoping for some help with spare change. He had barely … Read More
Starting Out, Stepping In: 10 Weeks as CEO
It’s about time… It’s an honour to be writing my first blog as the new CEO of the 999 Club, and as I’m now 10 weeks in, it’s about time! It’s been an intense and inspiring few months, and I thought this was a good moment to share a bit about myself and give some updates on what’s happening at … Read More
Saying Goodbye to 999 Club
It is with strong and mixed emotions that I have announced that I am stepping down from being CEO of 999 Club. These past three and a half years have been the most rewarding of my career, the 999 Club is a special place and it’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of it. What a journey … Read More
In-house NHS services
Jimmy had come into 999 Club for the early bird breakfast. which we provide twice a week from our Gateway Drop-in Centre. He had been sleeping on the streets, was hungry and had heard 999 Club was a safe place to come. He had some hot food and started to relax. The people serving the food seemed friendly, so he … Read More
Make sure Rough sleepers have everything they need this winter
Join the 999 Club’s vital mission to support Southeast London’s homeless this winter. Every pound you donate is doubled, amplifying your impact in providing essential shelter and services. Learn how your contribution can make a real difference during the cost-of-living crisis.
Bridging Lewisham’s Housing Gap: Our Compassionate Approach
Extending a compassionate hand to help individuals escape homelessness. By enhancing income opportunities and mediating housing conversations, we’re illuminating pathways towards stable housing amidst a challenging local housing landscape.
Breaking Bread, Building Bonds
How 999 Club goes beyond meeting basic needs by using food as a medium for establishing trust and fostering relationships.
Good hope and bad hope
Explore the nuanced roles of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ hope in addressing homelessness. Drawing from philosophy and real-life experiences, this blog dives into how hope, when channelled correctly, can be a force for change.
Summer Escapism and Homelessness Solutions
How deep-seated desires to escape can be channelled towards a hopeful and brighter future
The situation is not getting better.
There is a connection between homelessness and mental health and the situation is not getting better.
Rising Homelessness in Lewisham and Greenwich
There is an alarming increase in homelessness within Lewisham and Greenwich. We report a 59% rise in rough sleeping and the challenges faced in providing support and housing solutions.
Exploring the Flaws in the Current Temporary Housing System: Insights from Our CEO
Our CEO talks about how the current system for Temporary Housing is far from ideal.
Goals
Finding out someone’s goals and supporting them to achieve them is not as straightforward as it sounds…
Expect to get shouted at
People experiencing homelessness may shout due to the traumatic experiences and barriers they face. Attempting to prevent this may lead to less effective support services.
A Sense of Purpose
Becoming a Tottenham Hotspur fan is one of the worst decisions I have ever made, but I do not regret it for a second. It’s led to lots of unhappiness but also given me a sense of purpose, however futile that may be. Ultimately, wellbeing comes and goes but sense of purpose keeps us going. It all began at a … Read More
In 2010 I jumped out of a plane. It was the scariest thing I have ever done.
Homelessness can be a scary & dangerous experience. One with lasting negative consequences. But those same people can & do stop experiencing homelessness.
What can my ill-fated teenage attempts to economise teach us about homelessness?
Agencies must work together to help reduce the number of people sleeping on the streets of Lewisham.
Eligibility criteria, referral routes and is a Jaffa cake a biscuit or a cake? All are discussed in the CEO’s new Blog!
Charles Potter was an incredibly distinguished lawyer who is mostly remembered now because of his views on Jaffa cakes. He was a hugely successful tax lawyer who appeared in the House of Lords no fewer than 25 times, and in the Privy Council a further dozen times. In 1991 he said that Jaffa cakes are cakes or biscuits. McVities had … Read More
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