St Mungo's Opening doors for homeless people

St Mungo's Action Week 7-11 Sept '08

St Mungo's first ever Action Week was held in September, to raise awareness of the health problems homeless people face. Below are details of some of the activities held to support the campaign. For more information visit the Homelessness: it makes you sick campaign website.

The Bridge Walk - Sunday 7 September

More than one hundred St Mungo's Staff, clients and supporters walked five miles across five London bridges in support of the Action Week campaign. The aim of the walk was to raise awareness of the health problems homeless people face and was also a good opportunity for a fantastic tour of some of London's most recognisable landmarks. Click here to see pictures of the walk.

Media and Health sector launch - Monday 8 September

St Mungo's Health Strategy for Homeless People was officially launched at the House of St Barnabas in Soho. St Mungo's Director of Programmes, Peter Cockersell, spoke about the new Health Strategy, while Professor Aidan Halligan, Former Chief Medical Officer of Great Britain and currently head of Training at UCL, gave the keynote speech, and Pippa Bagnall, Chief Executive of The House of St Barnabas also Addressed the attendees. Afterwards, guest were given a copy of the Health Strategy and the summary report Homelessness: it makes you sick, and had the opportunity to meet St Mungo's staff who have frontline experience of health and homelessness and discuss the issues raised in the Health Strategy.

Client Health Event - Tuesday 9 September

Our Redcliffe Gardens Wellbeing Centre in west London, held a fun packed day for all St Mungo's clients, with health and wellbeing based workshops. Clients were able to enjoy a some pampering treats such as massage and nutritional advice and received an excellent buffet lunch. The day was organised by Outside In, our core client involvement group, and our regional health co-ordinators.

Expert Panel discussion - Wednesday 10 September

St Mungo's held a panel discussion, which brought together experts in health and homelessness to discuss access to healthcare for homeless people.

The panel was chaired by Dr Paul Plant (NHS London) and St Mungo's Director of Programmes Peter Cockersell. The panel discussed how to make healthcare more accessible to homeless people and the recommendations in St Mungo's Health Strategy.

Apothecaries' Hall Event - Wednesday 10 September

A reception to raise awareness and support for St Mungo's work was held at in the hall of The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, in Black Friars, for people who donate money to St Mungo's. St Mungo's Director of Programmes, Peter Cockersell, spoke about the Health Strategy and explained some of the problems homeless people face accessing healthcare. Other speakers included Tanya English, St Mungo's Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications and Master Apothecary Nick Wood and two St Mungo's clients.

Fundraising dinner and Remembrance Event - Thursday 11 September

The evening began with a fundraising dinner at Beyond Boyle restaurant, which consisted of pre-dinner drinks and canapés, followed by a three course dinner served with wine. The meal was cooked by celebrity chef, Simon Boyle who has recently set up Beyond Boyle Restraurant at All Hallows Church by the Tower of London, which trains St Mungo's residents in professional hospitality.

The fundraising dinner was followed by a moving candlelit ceremony of remembrance at which the names of St Mungo's clients, who have passed away were read out, and the observance of a three minute silence. Several clients read their own poetry about their experiences of the dark side of homelessness and their recovery. The ceremony ended on a rousing note with a performance by the Cardboard Citizens choir.