London Mayor Sidiq Khan visits Riverside’s Queen Mary Hostel in Westminster where he chatted to members of the Street Buddies team. Pictured L-R T J Richards, Trisha Stephens, Gerry O’Brien, Amanda Clark and Karren Ebanks with Sadiq Kahn May 4 2021 Matthew Power Photography www.matthewpowerphotography.co.uk 07969 088655 matthew@matthewpowerphotography.co.uk @mpowerphoto
Riverside Street Buddies has been commended in the prestigious London Homelessness Awards 2022.
Over 30 projects from across London applied for the awards this year and Street Buddies made it to the final six. They will receive their award from Deputy Mayor Tom Copley at a special ceremony in October at the Union Chapel in Islington.
Street Buddies is the first peer-led outreach team in the UK where trained ‘Buddies’ and volunteers, who themselves have experienced homelessness, locate and work with rough sleepers across London.
Karren Ebanks, Street Buddies Project Manager at Riverside said:
“We are extremely pleased to have been commended in these awards. The team support people who have often led complicated lives, and spent yearsliving on the streets, by providing a lived-experience befriending service. The aim is to help rough sleepers build social capital, supporting them to engage with services, develop personal skills and social networks, maximise their income, participate in society through sustainable volunteering or work, and move into settled accommodation. We bridge the gap left behind by traditional outreach services.”
Margaret Malcolm works with the London Housing Foundation and assessed all of the applicants. She said:
“With a strong field of over 30 applicants, Riverside did very well to get to the last six. Their presentation to the judging panel was very good and they showcase just how vibrant and innovative the homelessness sector in London continues to be.”
More details about the London Homelessness Awards can be found at www.lhawards.org..uk
