Fleeing from an abusive relationship, Alexandra & her three young children had nowhere safe to stay. That's when she approached a local women’s refuge, who offered them temporary accommodation & applied to St Martin’s Charity for an emergency grant, which allowed her to secure a safe place to live.

For some women, #homelessness is not only about losing a home. It can also mean losing their children. Our latest blog looks at the trauma of removal, the risk of repeat removals, and why prevention, stable #housing and trauma-informed support are so important. Read more: https://loom.ly/LBs534Q

Our #FrontlineWorkerSurvey 2026 is now open 📣 If you support people experiencing #homelessness in the UK then you can have your voice heard. The survey will gather your insights to help inform policy and practice around homelessness. Have your say today: https://loom.ly/wxpl8u4

After fleeing severe domestic violence, Zoe arrived in Scotland with nowhere to go. With support from Rowan Alba, she found safe accommodation and psychological support. #IWD “With this mental health support, I believe that I can take the steps I need to.” https://loom.ly/zaHUXFA

Not all homelessness is visible. As we mark #InternationalWomensDay, we’re shining a light on women’s homelessness and the hidden forms it often takes, from sofa surfing to staying in unsafe environments just to avoid sleeping rough. Read the full blog: https://loom.ly/b8z687o

The Leeds Women’s Housing & Homelessness Frontline Network brings together frontline workers to focus on women’s homelessness: from hidden rough sleeping to domestic abuse & complex trauma. The annual census in Leeds shows just how often women are missed in official stats. https://loom.ly/jafvIWY

Alexandra left an abusive relationship with three young children and just £15, determined to keep them safe. An emergency grant helped her secure a safe home for her family and begin rebuilding her life. For the first time in a long while, she is able to look to the future with hope. #IWD2026

St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity is recruiting a Trustee and a Grants Committee member, and we're specifically looking for people with lived experience of homelessness. Online info sessions hosted by Expert Link on 5th and 10th March. More info: smitfc.org/careers/

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. https://loom.ly/Nf9buL0

Today, the government published their latest rough sleeping snapshot for England. The figures show another increase to the number of people sleeping on the streets, making it the highest number on record. Read more on our website: https://loom.ly/jgLo97I

From all of us at St Martin’s Charity, thank you. Together, you’ve helped us raise an incredible £2,625,090 through the BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal. Your generosity is helping people across the UK find safety, stability and a place to call home. We couldn’t do this without your support.

2024/25: Our Impact in Numbers: 📢 4,983 emergency grants awarded (£2,006,412 total) 🏠 12 projects funded across the UK to support, develop and test solutions to homelessness 🏙️ 99 people supported into new homes through investing in The Connection Read more: https://loom.ly/M129LP0

Homelessness support workers are navigating funding pressures, housing shortages and burnout, all while supporting people through some of the hardest moments in their lives. Our latest blog explores some of the pressures frontline staff are facing, and what needs to change. https://loom.ly/nt9v68I

Last chance to submit your proposal for the 2026 Frontline Network Annual Conference. We’re inviting frontline workers, researchers, specialists and sector leaders to help shape this year’s roundtable discussions. Expressions of interest close 20th Feb. Submit yours today: https://loom.ly/dTlrs0w

A huge thank you to The George Michael Fund for making a three-year pledge to support our emergency grants. This funding helps us to provide timely financial support, enabling us to prevent or resolve #homelessness when people are in crisis.

Expressions of interest are open for the 2026 Frontline Network #AnnualConference. We’re looking for frontline workers, researchers and sector leaders to propose roundtable sessions sharing learning, insights and new ideas. Deadline for submissions is 20th February. https://loom.ly/dTlrs0w

Meet Barry, Audrey and Marina. Their work helped Devon, Gary and Mensah move into safe, stable homes. Our latest blog shares the stories of the frontline support workers behind our Christmas Appeal, and why their work matters more than ever. Read more: https://loom.ly/nt9v68I

Frontline workers see every day how emergency grants (VRF) remove urgent barriers to housing, whether that’s rent in advance, deposits or other essential costs. This quote shows what that support can make possible. Find out more about our emergency grants programme on our website.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to The Julia Rausing Trust for their generous donation of £1 million to St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity over two years. The Trust’s generosity continues to help us provide essential emergency grants to tackle #homelessness across the UK.

A no-fault eviction left Mensah* with nowhere safe to live. He spent a year rough sleeping, moving between sofas and night shelters. The Connection helped him into a room in a shared house, where he could focus on work. After support with his CV and interviews, he secured an apprenticeship he loves

Calling frontline workers: want to speak at the Frontline Network Annual Conference 2026? We’re inviting people across the #homelessness sector to join discussion panels and shape the conversations that matter now. Find out more: www.frontlinenetwork.org.uk/news-and-vie...

It's not too late to make a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Your support of the #ChristmasAppeal will help fund vital services that provide safety, stability and hope to those in need. Donate today and help us reach more people in 2026: https://loom.ly/fxnszko

Devon featured in our Christmas Appeal, sharing his journey from homelessness after prison to rebuilding his life with the right support. His story shows how second chances and stable housing can change lives. Read more: https://loom.ly/RXSdBmk

In 2024, a record 117,450 households were living in temporary accommodation in England alone. The need for support has never been greater. You can help more households out of homelessness by supporting the #ChristmasAppeal. Find out more and donate: loom.ly/fxnszko

Do cash donations help people move on from homelessness? This BBC Sounds programme follows a trial giving £2,000 directly to people, with no conditions. We’re helping to fund the Personal Grants project to understand what really helps people rebuild their lives. Listen here: https://loom.ly/-oXuWrw

People experiencing homelessness were given £2,000 with no conditions through the Personal Grants Project. Early findings show the money went on rent deposits, furniture, courses and childcare. We’re proud to be funding this UK-first trial with CHI. Read more: https://loom.ly/ufqFIqg

“More than anything else, it’s a sense of safety… Somewhere I can actually call a home.” After a year of homelessness, Mensah* found stability and support through The Connection at St Martin’s. Your donations make this possible. #ChristmasAppeal loom.ly/fxnszko

Gary was moving from place to place, missing his children and struggling with his mental health. But then an emergency grant helped him secure a home and a fresh start. Watch his story.

Merry Christmas, and thank you. From all of us at St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, we’re so grateful for your support of the BBC Radio 4 #ChristmasAppeal. Watch this message of thanks from our CEO, Duncan Shrubsole, Hugh Dennis and Revd Dr Sam Wells.

After a year of homelessness, Mensah* met Marina at @homelesslondon.bsky.social. Her support helped him find a safe place to live & secure an apprenticeship he loves. Your donations help The Connection deliver vital support for people like Mensah. loom.ly/fxnszko

Devon (left) was sleeping in a tent and struggling with his mental health. But his life began to change when he met Barry (right) from Aspire. A Personal Grant funded by St Martin’s Charity helped him move into his own home and rebuild his future. Support our #ChristmasAppeal. loom.ly/fxnszko

Homelessness charities work hard over Christmas, but only the government can do the work on housing, incomes and services that is required to help people without a safe and secure place to call home, writes St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity CEO Duncan Shrubsole. Read more: https://loom.ly/8P-DnU8

Missed Making a Difference? Hear Hugh Dennis share how donations to our #ChristmasAppeal are changing lives, including Mensah finding safety and an apprenticeship, Devon moving off the streets into his own flat & Gary securing a home near his children. https://loom.ly/pOhIUsU

Gary spent months being moved between temporary places to stay, far from his children and unable to rebuild his life. An emergency grant from St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity helped him secure a flat near his family, giving him the stability he needed. Now he’s settled and focused on the future.

For nearly a century, St Martin’s Charity has been transforming lives with the #ChristmasAppeal. Revd Dr Sam Wells reminds us that even a small donation can bring safety, support, and hope to someone facing homelessness this Christmas. https://loom.ly/fxnszko

360,000 households approached their council for help with homelessness in the last year. Behind each number is a person with their own wish for safety and stability. Your support can help transform someone's life, giving them stability & a safe home. Donate today: https://loom.ly/fxnszko

Devon, whose story is part of our #ChristmasAppeal, was featured on BBC Radio Oxford this morning, sharing how a Personal Grant and access to work helped him move out of #homelessness and rebuild his life. Listen to Devon's interview from 1:38:35 https://loom.ly/KG8KHMI

Devon was sleeping rough in Oxford, looking for odd jobs and suffering with his mental health. Support from Barry at Aspire Oxford and a Personal Grant from St Martin's Charity helped him move into a flat, cover essentials and clear debt. Your support can help others this Christmas.

Mensah* spent more than a year without a stable home after a no-fault eviction. Support from The Connection gave him safety, stability and the opportunity to find an apprenticeship he loves. Hear Mensah’s story in his own words.

What does home mean at Christmas? In this video, Revd Dr Sam Wells explains how the #ChristmasAppeal helps people move into safety and rebuild their lives. Watch his message and consider supporting the Appeal. https://loom.ly/fxnszko

After losing his brother, Gary’s mental health declined and he became homeless. With help from Audrey at his council and an emergency grant from St Martin’s, he moved into a flat near his children. Your support makes this possible. #ChristmasAppeal

Missed Making a Difference on BBC Radio 4? Don’t worry, you can catch the repeat at 3:45pm tomorrow, Friday 12th December! The broadcast features our charity ambassador, Hugh Dennis, as he hears about how donations to our #ChristmasAppeal are transforming lives.

Sleeping rough left Devon struggling with his mental health. A Personal Grant funded by St Martin's Charity helped him get a home and a fresh start. Watch his story below. #ChristmasAppeal

The need for support has never been greater: a total of 13,231 people slept rough in London last year, up 10% from the year before. Every day, we see how your donations can change someone's life. Donate today and support more people out of homelessness this Christmas. https://loom.ly/fxnszko

A no-fault eviction left Mensah* with nowhere safe to live. He spent a year rough sleeping, moving between sofas and night shelters. The Connection helped him into a room in a shared house, where he could focus on work. After support with his CV and interviews, he secured an apprenticeship he loves

Tune in tomorrow, Sunday 7th December, for the BBC Radio 4 #ChristmasAppeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, presented by Revd Dr Sam Wells, and Making a Difference with Hugh Dennis. Broadcast timings: The Christmas Appeal: 7:54am & 9:26pm Making a Difference: 9:45am & 7:45pm

Last Christmas, an emergency grant meant Gary could move into a safe home after months in temporary accommodation. Now he’s looking forward to spending Christmas with his children. Donate to the #ChristmasAppeal on our website.

With nowhere to go, Devon was forced to sleep rough in Oxford. Meeting Barry from Aspire changed everything, leading to supported housing and then a direct cash transfer through our Personal Grants project. Read Devon's story and support the #ChristmasAppeal on our website.

Next week, we’ll be sharing the stories behind this year’s #ChristmasAppeal. Gary, Devon and Mensah* came through very different challenges, supported by frontline workers and services funded by your donations. Stay tuned to see the difference your support can make.

For nearly 100 years, the BBC Radio 4 #ChristmasAppeal with St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity has helped people experiencing #homelessness across the UK. Your support is providing safety, stability & a place to call home. Learn more: https://loom.ly/Mg2a7hc