Sign in

St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity

@smitfcharity.bsky.social
211 followers 694 following 146 posts

We work with frontline workers and organisations to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home. Find out more: www.smitfc.org #homelessness

PostsRepliesMedia
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
177,530 children were living in temporary accommodation in England on 31st March 2026 - a record high. All children should have a safe, stable place to call home.
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Our CEO Duncan Shrubsole spoke at the Labour Party Conference about the pressures facing frontline workers and what needs to happen to tackle homelessness this winter and beyond. Read more about Duncan’s contribution in Inside Housing: loom.ly/KhQoNCw
insidehousing.co.uk
We need a homelessness plan that extends beyond Christmas, says charity director
The director of social change at Homeless Link told the Labour Party conference on Monday that “we need a homelessness plan that extends beyond Christmas”.
011
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Our CEO Duncan Shrubsole shares some reflections from The #LabourPartyConference, including what needs to happen to end #RoughSleeping and why frontline workers must be at the heart of that work. We look forward to working with the Government to make this happen.
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This morning, our CEO Duncan Shrubsole joined Homeless Link at the @labouruk.bsky.social Party Conference to discuss what it will take to end #RoughSleeping. We made the case for frontline workers to be properly supported, funded and recognised as essential partners in making that happen.
001
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
When Ash first arrived at Streetlife, they had been sofa surfing for over a year. With Streetlife’s support, they secured accommodation, accessed healthcare and mental health support, and are now thriving at university. Read Ash’s story: loom.ly/U-z9a0M
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
For some women, homelessness can mean losing more than a home. This blog explores the links between women’s homelessness and child removal, the trauma this can cause, and what needs to change. Read the full blog: loom.ly/LBs534Q
smitfc.org
Women’s Homelessness and Child Removal - St Martin-in-the-Fields
When women experience homelessness, the risk of child removal rises sharply. We explore the scale of the issue, its impact, and what needs to change.
031
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Alexandra* fled an abusive relationship with just two bags, three young children, and £15 to her name. An emergency grant from St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity helped Alexandra secure a safe home for her family, giving them a chance to settle and rebuild their lives. loom.ly/Nf9buL0
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
With support from Rowan Alba, Elvira moved from instability into a home of her own. Her confidence is growing, she’s reconnecting with others, and beginning to look ahead to the future. “I’m going out more… just slowly but surely, I’m getting there.” Read more: loom.ly/Ad4LGsA
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
📣 Calling frontline workers across the UK! The Frontline Network is setting up a new Frontline Worker Advisory Group, bringing together up to 15 frontline workers to help shape our work and amplify frontline voices. Find out more / apply: loom.ly/h4XTy80
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
We recently caught up with Mensah*, who shared his story during our Christmas Appeal last year. Today, he's settled into a new home, continuing his apprenticeship and looking forward to the future. Hear Mensah’s story in his own words.
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This week, our CEO Duncan Shrubsole and The Connection CEO Pam Orchard met the Number 10 Policy Unit to discuss the Prime Minister’s commitment to end rough sleeping and get everyone indoors by Christmas. A landmark moment, and one we’re ready to help deliver.
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Racism can increase the risk of homelessness and affect how people experience housing and homelessness services. Our new article explores the inequalities faced by ethnic minority communities, the barriers that can make it harder to access help, and why trust matters. loom.ly/L3Hz12w
smitfc.org
Racism and Homelessness | St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity
Racism can increase the risk of homelessness and affect people's experiences of support services. Learn how inequality, discrimination and trust shape homelessness in the UK.
142
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
We recently caught up with Devon to see how he's getting on. He’s still working, spending time with his children and feeling happy with life. Now, Devon is looking ahead. His next goal is to get his own place, working towards getting a mortgage. Hear Devon share his story, in his own words.
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Want to catch up on the Frontline Network Annual Conference 2026? All eight session recordings are now available to watch online, so you can catch up on anything you missed or revisit a session whenever it suits you. Watch here: loom.ly/RtsaaUI
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Good news for renters with pets! 🐶🐱 Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords can no longer have a blanket “no pets” policy. For people renting with pets, this could remove one more barrier when looking for a safe and secure home.
100
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
We welcome the government’s commitment to fund more than 70,000 social homes across England over the next 10 years. We now need to see as many of these homes built as possible, and as quickly as possible, so they are available to the people who need them most. Read more: loom.ly/jjMN-bY
bbc.co.uk
More than 70,000 social and affordable homes to be built across England over 10 years
Funding has been granted to Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and West Yorkshire as well as £6bn for London.
020
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Moving out of homelessness rarely happens alone. Meet Barry and Devon, and hear how frontline support helped change Devon’s life: loom.ly/rw4EuvQ
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
We welcome the Prime Minister's announcement of an additional £102 million to help offer everyone sleeping rough a route off the streets by Christmas, building on the £340 million already committed to ending rough sleeping.
140
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
After fleeing severe domestic violence, Zoe arrived in Scotland without a home or any belongings. With support from Rowan Alba, she found safety and specialist mental health support to help her recover from trauma. Read her story: loom.ly/zaHUXFA
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
New government figures show a record 135,580 households are living in temporary accommodation in England. In one of the world’s richest countries. This shouldn’t be normal.
122
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
2026 is set to be the UK’s hottest year on record, and we’re currently experiencing the sixth heatwave of the year. If you’re worried about someone sleeping rough, you can alert local outreach services through @streetlink.bsky.social
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
“Home means a future.” After losing his younger brother, Gary turned to alcohol to cope with grief. When his relationship broke down, he faced homelessness. But a £490 emergency grant from St Martin’s Charity helped him move into a new home near his children.
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Missed the Frontline Network Annual Conference 2026? All eight sessions are now available to watch on demand, covering mental health, neurodiversity, hidden identities, moral injury and more. Watch the recordings: loom.ly/RtsaaUI
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
We're proud to be part of the Government's National Workforce Programme, helping strengthen the #homelessness workforce in England. Through our Frontline Network, we'll bring nearly a decade of frontline insight to help shape the programme. Read more: frontlinenetwork.org.uk/news-and-vie...
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
A new £8m fund has opened for charities working to prevent #homelessness across England and Wales. The Good Place to Live: New Beginnings Fund offers up to £200k over four years. Apply by 9 September. Find out more: loom.ly/DFtJntI
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Mental health and #homelessness are closely connected, especially for young people. With youth homelessness continuing to rise, it's more important than ever that young people can access the support they need, when they need it. loom.ly/v9PC0Ok
smitfc.org
Youth Homelessness & Mental Health 2026 | St Martin’s Charity
A closer look at how mental health issues contribute to and are worsened by youth homelessness—and what we can do to address this crisis.
020
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Homelessness is rising across the UK, but behind every statistic is a person or family. This @bigissue.com article breaks down the latest facts and figures, helping to show the scale of the challenge and why action to prevent homelessness is so important. Read more: loom.ly/r0t_nLE
bigissue.com
Homelessness facts and stats: The damning numbers you need to know
Experts worry about a looming crisis of homelessness. These are the rough sleeping figures and homelessness facts you need to know.
022
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Our Summer Newsletter is out now. Read updates from Gary and Mensah, and see how your support is helping people find and keep a safe place to call home. Plus, discover our latest work supporting innovative homelessness projects across the UK 👇 loom.ly/x9fQ3J0
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
"It basically made me realise that there are people out there who genuinely care about me and want to support me and care about my wellbeing." We recently caught up with Mensah*, who featured in last year's Christmas Appeal, to hear how life is going now. Read more: loom.ly/x9fQ3J0
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has pledged to end rough sleeping. With 4,793 people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025–the highest figure on record–there's no time to lose. We welcome this commitment & will work with Government to help deliver the homes & support people need.
031
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
We recently caught up with Gary, who shared his story during our Christmas Appeal last year. After receiving an emergency grant to help secure his tenancy, Gary says: "The grant helped me move forward and transformed my life." Read more in our Summer Newsletter 👇 loom.ly/x9fQ3J0
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Missed the Frontline Network Annual Conference 2026, or want to revisit a session? All of this year's conference sessions are now available to watch on the Frontline Network website. Watch now: loom.ly/RtsaaUI
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Frontline workers are clear: finding suitable housing is one of the biggest challenges they face. Our Access to Accommodation fund was created in response to this, supporting smaller charities to unlock or create housing in their communities. loom.ly/fcCHvzk
smitfc.org
Access to Accommodation Fund: New Housing Solutions | St Martin's Charity
Eight grassroots organisations have been funded through our Access to Accommodation fund to create new housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness.
131
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
At St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, we know that frontline workers are the key to helping people move away from homelessness. In 2025/26, we: 🎓 Trained 702 frontline workers 🗣️ Brought together 1,358 staff together to learn and support each other 📢 Hosted our Annual Conference for 428 attendees
022
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Everything changed for Devon when he received support through the Personal Grants project. The direct cash transfer helped him move into his own flat, buy essential furniture, cover bills and start building a stable base. loom.ly/rw4EuvQ
011
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
One in three care-experienced young people experiences homelessness within two years of leaving care. Without stable housing, trusted relationships or the right support, too many young people are being set up to fail. Read more: loom.ly/DKMqQkE
smitfc.org
Support for Care-Experienced Young People Facing Homelessness | St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity
Care-experienced young people are at greater risk of homelessness. Learn why, explore the barriers they face, and discover how organisations are stepping in to support them.
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Behind every emergency grant is an individual or family taking the next step towards safety and stability. This quote shows the difference practical support can make when it arrives at the right time. Find out more about our emergency grants programme on our website.
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Do you know a great frontline worker in housing, homelessness or another sector? The Viki Fox Heart of Support awards honour those who go above and beyond to support others each day, & nominations are open until the end of June. Submit your nomination today! frontlinenetwork.org.uk/news-and-vie...
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
The Frontline Network Annual Conference 2026 is well underway! The team is here behind the scenes, supporting a fantastic day of learning and discussion with frontline workers and speakers from across the UK. Join a session: frontline-network-annual-conference-2026.heysummit.com/schedule/
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
With #heatwaves expected this week, Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is likely to be activated to support people sleeping rough during the extreme weather. If you’re worried about someone sleeping rough, you can alert local outreach services through StreetLink.
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
How can organisations respond to growing safety concerns affecting migrant communities, frontline staff and service users? Join expert speakers next week at the #FrontlineNetwork Annual Conference 2026 to learn more. frontline-network-annual-conference-2026.heysummit.com/talks/managi...
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
At the Frontline Network #AnnualConference 2026, James O'Neill and Jonathan Jones will explore the realities of roadside homelessness and discuss how frontline services can better support Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and vehicle-dwelling communities. Date: 23 June 2026, 2:45–4pm loom.ly/S984pdg
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Next Wednesday, the MHCLG Engagement Team is hosting a free webinar for frontline staff across the #homelessness sector. Hear from Alison McGovern, homelessness minister, on the Government’s priorities and the National Plan to End Homelessness, plus a live Q&A. Sign up: loom.ly/BYM1D70
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Nominations are now open for Homeless Network Scotland's Viki Fox Heart of Support Awards. We're proud to support these awards through the Frontline Network, helping to recognise the dedication and compassion of frontline workers across Scotland. Submit your nomination: loom.ly/J97WW5g
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Many women experiencing homelessness are missing from official figures because they're forced to stay hidden. This BBC article highlights why work like the Women's Rough Sleeping Census, led by our partner Basis Yorkshire in Leeds, is so important. Full article: loom.ly/MblCwGo
bbc.co.uk
More women sleeping rough than official figures suggest, charities warn
Two thirds of the women counted in a charity-led census would not have been recorded using the government method.
020
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
With support from our Access to Accommodation fund, Women’s Aid Luton is installing a self-contained emergency housing pod within the grounds of an existing refuge. Learn more: loom.ly/3QeU8mM
smitfc.org
- St Martin-in-the-Fields
Funded through the Access to Accommodation Fund, Women’s Aid Luton will install an emergency refuge pod to provide immediate, short-term accommodation for women and children fleeing abuse.
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Great to bring together Frontline Network partners from across the UK this week to share learning, discuss emerging challenges and strengthen support for frontline homelessness workers. Thank you to everyone who joined us.
000
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
For some women, #homelessness is not only about losing a home. It can also mean losing their children. In this blog, we look at the trauma of removal, the risk of repeat removals, and why prevention, stable #housing and trauma-informed support are so important. Read more: loom.ly/LBs534Q
smitfc.org
Women’s Homelessness and Child Removal - St Martin-in-the-Fields
When women experience homelessness, the risk of child removal rises sharply. We explore the scale of the issue, its impact, and what needs to change.
021
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Through our Access to Accommodation fund, Zinthiya Trust will provide safe, shared housing for up to 30 women over three years, alongside support with employment, financial independence and tenancy readiness. Read more: loom.ly/w7oxOq8
smitfc.org
Zinthiya Trust - St Martin-in-the-Fields
Funded through the Access to Accommodation Fund, Zinthiya Trust’s Move On Pilot will create safe, supported housing for women fleeing abuse with no recourse to public funds.
010
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity @smitfcharity.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Join us Tuesday 23 June for the Frontline Network Annual Conference 2026. Bringing together frontline workers, experts, sector leaders and specialists from across the UK to discuss challenges, and share ideas and best practice around homelessness support. Register here: loom.ly/T80jb3U
000