On Thursday 5 February, over 100 rough sleepers received a ‘full MOT’ of health checks, free winter clothes and haircuts courtesy of local charity, Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT).
SCT 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. Free condoms, sleeping bags, winter clothes and toiletries were also given out.
Here are some quotes from some of the visitors, volunteers and health providers from the day:
“Thank you so much for this day. I’ve got kitted out with clean, warm clothes and a sleeping bag.” Drop in regular.
“This haircut has made me feel so good.” Rough sleeper.
‘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.
“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 has been running a drop in serving food, drink and advice for 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. 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. The charity is trying to raise an extra £50,000 in its golden anniversary.
ENDS
About the Spitalfields Crypt Trust
1. SCT is an East London charity providing practical help, support and training to people who have been homeless and suffering from addiction. It runs a drop in, rehabilitation hostel, personal development & training centre and a number of social enterprises to allow recovering addicts to gain work experience and training. The charity was one of the first in the UK to provide shelter and rehabilitation to homeless, alcoholic men.
2. Find out more about the 50th birthday at: www.sct.org.uk/about-us/scts-50th-anniversary
3. Registered office: Acorn House, 116-118 Shoreditch High Street London E1 6JN. Spitalfields Crypt Trust is registered in England and Wales and limited by guarantee. Registered Charity No. 1075947 Company No 37347930
4. Follow us on Twitter: @recoverypathway #SCT50 and facebook.com/recoverypathway
Contact
For high-res images, please email communications@sct.org.uk
