On Thursday 5 February, over 100 local rough sleepers received a ‘full MOT’ of health checks, free winter clothes and haircuts at a special drop in for the homeless.
“Thank you so much for this day. I’ve got kitted out with clean, warm clothes and a sleeping bag.”An SCT homeless drop-in regular.
We worked with local NHS providers to host TB and dental checks and with local charities to offer vital blood pressure, heart attack and stroke checks.
“This haircut has made me feel so good.”Homeless MOT visitor.
Free sleeping bags, winter clothes from our charity shops, condoms and toiletries were also given out.
“I’ve done many HIV checks today. It was a good day.”Beatrice Nabulya, Positive East.
“What they give us back is more than we give them. It’s more than the haircut. Just a smile is amazing! Thank you.”
Daniel, Trevor Sorbie hairdresser.
SCT has been running a drop in serving food, drink and advice to the homeless since 1965. In an average week the drop in serves more than 160 people.
The MOT day was kindly sponsored by SKANSKA, the construction company who have been volunteering at SCT’s drop in for two and a half years. Haircuts were kindly provided by a team from Trevor Sorbie and James Wilson.
“I knew that coming today the people I was going to meet were going to be humble, but what surprised me was their spirituality and even though they have their struggles they still see positivity in life. Also the sense of community between them all was inspiring. Big thank you to Spitalfields Crypt Trust for letting me be a part of today.”
James Wilson, hairdresser.
SCT would also like to thank the following fantastic volunteers: Simon Thistle; Acorn House residents; Francine Holdgate; Rob Childcott, James Bellorini and St. Leonards Church for kindly hosting the event.
This year SCT is celebrating 50 years of serving the homeless and people in recovery from drink and drug addictions.
Donate now and help us raise an extra £50,000 in our golden anniversary
Please help us by donating any unwanted Christmas presents such as socks, pants and jumpers to one of our East London charity shops.
Read more about our 50th anniversary #SCT50
Photographs by James Bellorini.