HARP’s Work Never Stops

BY Clare Wilson, HARP’s Head of Communications.
As winter begins to ease and the first signs of spring appear, many of us feel a sense of hope. Longer days and brighter mornings lift the mood. It certainly does for me.
But while the season changes, homelessness doesn’t. It doesn’t end in January, and it isn’t only a concern at Christmas. That’s why HARP is here all year round.
First, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Appeal. The generosity of the Leigh and Southend community was overwhelming. From donations and fundraising to volunteering your time, your support made a real difference during one of our busiest times of the year.
Over the winter months, in partnership with the City Council, we ran an emergency night shelter at our Bradbury Day Centre in York Road. It became a lifeline for people forced to sleep rough during severe cold weather.
We are especially grateful to the local volunteers who gave up evenings and weekends to help keep the shelter running. Your kindness showed what community really means.
December was a busy month across all our services. Behind every number is a person, but these figures show the scale of need locally:
• 29 people came to us for support for the first time • 472 people were supported during the month • 327 individuals were housed in HARP’s temporary accommodation • 156 individuals made 764 visits to our Day Centre • Our Prevention Team worked with 41 people to stop homelessness before it happened • Two people moved on to live independently.
We are proud of this work, but we are clear-eyed about the demand. More people are struggling with rising rents, insecure work and the cost of living. Prevention remains a key part of what we do. Practical advice, housing support and early intervention can stop a crisis before it happens.
This spring is also bringing hope and change for HARP!
You may have seen on social media or in the press, the official handover of our new building on Southend High Street (pictured). The landmark property has been generously donated to HARP for £1 by ex-local resident Mark Talbot. It will now be known as Ann Terry House.
Before retiring, Mr Talbot worked as a roofer and saw first-hand how safe, secure housing can transform lives. The building is named in memory of family members who experienced homelessness and mental health challenges. We are indebted to Mr Talbot for this donation as a home for HARP, as it provides us with a secure future for our organisation.
In the spring we’ll be opening the building as a central hub for homelessness prevention, recovery and community support.
It will not replace any of HARP’s current services. Instead, it will provide a larger Prevention Hub so we can reach people earlier, offering advice and practical help before they lose their home. The building will also house some of our recovery activities and include a dedicated medical room hosting outreach clinics from Southend’s Homeless Health Initiative, helping people without a fixed address access healthcare more easily.
There are also plans for the ground floor to become a welcoming community space, subject to further fundraising. We will share more details soon!
So how can you help this year?
If running is your thing, we have places available for the Hackney Half as part of #TeamHARP. Every runner receives a vest, training tips and support from a friendly team.
If you are looking for a bigger challenge, consider HARP24 on 27-28 June at Cherry Orchard Park. It’s our 24-hour trail event on an 8km route. You decide your challenge – one lap or many – either solo or as part of a team of up to 12. Nearly 300 runners have already signed up, and we would love you to join them.
If events are not for you, you can still make a difference. Choose HARP as the beneficiary for your own fundraising challenge, volunteer your time, donate/buy in our charity shops or make a regular donation to help us plan and provide support throughout the year.
Please consider supporting homelessness all year round!
With your support, we can continue to offer dignity, practical help and a place to turn to in every season. Thank you.
To find out more, sign up for an event or support our work, visit www.harpsouthend.org.uk or get in touch with our team.
Picture: The official handover of Ann Terry House & Clare Wilson, HARP’s Head of Communications. Read more
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