What is Spires?

Spires is a South London-based charity that helps hundreds of homeless and disadvantaged
people every year to improve their circumstances.

We help people access immediate support when they are in a state of crisis as a result of housing
problems, health or drug & alcohol issues. This may involve finding them a place in an emergency
hostel or getting treatment for urgent health problems.

As well as providing crisis support to rough sleepers and others in need of help, we have developed
services that help people achieve long-term solutions to their problems. This includes addressing
drug and alcohol issues, supporting people to live independently in the community, and offering
a range of training activities.

Spires aims to provide a safe and welcoming space where people can develop the trust and
confidence that will enable them to make real improvements in their circumstances. Our
130-plus volunteers play a vital role working alongside our staff team to help break
down the isolation and loneliness experienced by so many of the people who
come to Spires.

A vital resource for South London, Spires meets its costs through grant-making trusts, donations from individuals and businesses, fundraising events and a small number of statutory grants.

History

During the late 80s, homelessness became an increasingly visible problem in Streatham and the surrounding area. While media attention focused on the problems in central London, there was no service available locally for homeless people.

As a result a temporary Christmas centre opened in 1989, jointly organised by the congregations of English Martyrs and St Leonard's churches in Streatham, with the support of many others in the local community.

Such was the demand for this service, and the support of local volunteers, that in 1992 a more permanent service was established. Initially this was the 'Sunday Centre', providing services
every Sunday including a hot meal, clothing and advice.

This was quickly followed by additional weekday openings and a new name - 'the Spires Centre', registered as a charity in 1993. Since then, Spires has been successful in attracting resources to extend the services it offers to homeless and disadvantaged people. It has retained a strong
link with its two founding churches, and volunteers continue to play an important role in
delivering services.

However, services have developed considerably and Spires now works with a range of other statutory and voluntary agencies to offer long-term solutions to homelessness.

In February 2006 Spires incorporated Streatham Streetlink a local agency previously based within Spires but not part of our charity, formally into Spires. The newly named 'Spires Streetlink'
continues to deliver essential services to women involved in sex work within the borough
of Lambeth. Services include outreach and centre based work helping women to stabilise
their lifestyle and access mainstream support.

Spires Streetlink has been able to expand and develop as a project, and now has 2 full time,
and three part time staff working with women in need.

Who we help

Anyone can become homeless.

At Spires we see people who were once in secure jobs and happy, comfortable homes. In many
cases a family crisis leads to a life on the streets. For others, the cause may be drug and/or
alcohol issues, mental ill health or sheer bad luck.

Each individual has their own story. Whatever it is, Spires offers a warm welcome to everyone. Over
time, as trust develops, we work hard to put in place real solutions to poverty and homelessness.

25% of Spires users have been in care and 50% are registered disabled. At least 45% have drug
and/or alcohol issues, while 58% have mental health problems.

Of the hundreds of people that come to Spires every week, quarter are women and 22% are over
60. Most lack permanent homes and sleep rough or are insecurely housed in hostels, squats
or bed and breakfasts. Almost all are unemployed and over 80% have not worked for
over two years.

Spires Streetlink work with vulnerable women involved in sex work via outreach sessions and centre
based follow-through work. Spires Streetlink staff and volunteers working in partnership with other
local agencies, support women from point of street contact through to more settled accommodation
and beyond. During 2006 Spires Streetlink staff and volunteers met with and supported in excess
of 300 women involved in sex work in Lambeth and neighbouring boroughs.

98% of the women met were struggling with substance misuse issues, 25% of the women were
under 25 years old, and many were fleeing violence and abuse. Spires Streetlink staff and
volunteers always aim to support women away from a chaotic street based lifestyle. Our
experience in this field enables us to take the longer term view and we offer a committed
approach to the support we offer all women. (For more information about Spires
Streetlink please contact us at info@spires.org.uk or call 020 8696 0943)

Staff

To contact any member of staff at Spires: please send an email to info@spires.org.uk, give us a call
on 020 8696 0943 or drop in during opening hours (see timetable).

Amanda Addo - director of Spires, responsible to the trustees for its overall management, staffing,
direction, and strategy.

Patrick McCabe - deputy director, responsible for day-to-day operational management and help
with fund-raising. Particular projects are Adult Learning and Client Volunteering.

Tracy Kilner - office manager. She is responsible for book-keeping and accounts, administration,
including premises matters, and is also health and safety officer.

Pamela Mazava - Spires Streetlink Service Manager. She works with women involved in sexwork
and runs the Spires Women's Space on Fridays.

Rhea Coombs - Womens Support Worker. - supports vulnerable women in the centre, focusing on
housing, legal and drug & alcohol issues.

Fiona Bird - Youth Volunteer Co-ordinator - works with volunteers between the ages of 16-25.

Andrew Stephenson - Tenancy support worker for mental health. Specialist tenancy support for
mental health clients at Spires and SLAMS hospital ward and community clinic.