St Mungo’s calls for Chancellor to unfreeze LHA rates at Autumn Budget
This week, St Mungo’s, along with the wider homelessness sector, is calling on the Chancellor to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance rates at the upcoming Autumn Budget, so more people affected by homelessness can access safe, affordable housing in their local areas. What are Local Housing Allowance Rates? Local Housing Allowance (LHA) are the rates used to calculate how much housing benefit people can receive when they’re privately renting. LHA rates are meant to cover the lowest 30% of market rents in each local area. However, after years of freezes, only 2.7% of homes in Great Britain would be affordable for households receiving housing benefit. This significantly limits the number of affordable accommodation options within the private rented sector for people trying to move away from homelessness support services. Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said: “Thousands of people are becoming trapped in a cycle of homelessness because of the lack of affordable housing. At St Mungo’s, we see people becoming homeless because they cannot afford to keep a roof over their head, and then struggling to find a decent home as they try to move away from rough sleeping. Safe and decent housing should be a right for everyone. People who rely on housing benefit are being priced out of having a home by Local Housing Allowance rates that have not and are not keeping up with soaring rental prices. By unfreezing Local Housing Allowance rates so they once again cover the lowest 30% of local rents, the Government can ensure people have access to an affordable home. The upcoming Autumn Budget is a crucial opportunity for the Chancellor to take the necessary action to ease pressure on Councils and the homelessness sector, and to prevent more people being pushed into the trauma of homelessness.”
St Mungo’s celebrates International Volunteer Managers’ Day 2025
Today (Wednesday 5 November) marks International Volunteer Managers’ Day 2025, and we’re celebrating the work of Volunteer Supervisors here at St Mungo’s! Although IVM Day was developed internationally, for us at St Mungo’s it is here to highlight our volunteer supervisors, their skills, knowledge and impact on volunteers. This year’s theme is ‘Be BOLD. Make Change’, and to reflect this theme, we’re focussing on the hard work of our volunteer supervisors. Joanna Cieslak, Outreach Coordinator, has been working for St Mungo’s in Brent for over 10 years. On top of her current role, Joanna has been superb in how she recruits, manages and develops volunteers. She says: “I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible range of volunteers who bring so much passion and energy to what we do. The best part of managing volunteers is seeing their commitment and willingness to help rough sleepers, as well as the genuine support they bring to our service. Many of our volunteers have full-time jobs, yet they still find time to give back to the community and learn more about the homelessness sector. Their dedication and compassion never fail to inspire me. To me, being bold means giving people opportunities to grow, even when they may not yet see their own potential. It’s about thinking creatively in how we engage with volunteers, challenging assumptions, and creating spaces where people feel empowered to make a difference. Being bold is also about advocating for our volunteers — recognising their value and helping them to realise the impact they can have in supporting others on their recovery journey.” All these years, Joanna has been adding social value to the borough of Brent by recruiting volunteers living locally and upskilling them through their roles. Joanna has interviewed over 35 volunteers over the years, onboarded and supported about 10 of them, directly or indirectly. “I’ve learned to spot potential in people — especially those who show a genuine interest in homelessness and helping others. I’ve seen many volunteers grow in confidence, develop new skills, and even go on to secure employment with St Mungo’s or other homelessness charities. Watching that transformation is incredibly rewarding.” We see Joanna as a BOLD volunteer supervisor because she validates people’s skills, lived experience and backgrounds in practice. She will always find time to check in with them and get their feedback on shifts, after incidents and on their overall volunteering experience. Herself and her team keep us in the loop with all developments and volunteer records up to date so we can, too, witness the great impact Brent volunteers are making locally. “Most of our volunteers — if not all — have made a significant impact. We’ve been very fortunate to have volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and languages such as Polish, Italian, Romanian, Somali, and now Portuguese. Language skills have been invaluable, helping us to build immediate connections with rough sleepers from those communities and improving trust and engagement. We also had a volunteer with lived experience. Her openness and encouragement inspired several individuals to engage with services who believed that positive change was possible for them too.” We’ve been very proud to see that five volunteers from Joanna’s team have now moved into paid employment with St. Mungo’s and externally. “Two of the people I recruited as volunteers in the past are now permanent staff on my team, one with the Westminster Outreach Team and another with the Roma Outreach Team.” We asked Joanna for some reflections and advice for anyone thinking of recruiting volunteers for their team: “For anyone struggling to find the ‘perfect’ volunteer, I’d say that there’s rarely such a thing as the ‘perfect’ volunteer — everyone brings something unique and valuable to the team. Sometimes the volunteers you least expect end up making the biggest impact – focus on potential rather than a perfect skill match.” We didn’t stop there, however. We asked people who were supported by Joanna to tell us what they think: “Joanna has been such an important part of my journey. From the very beginning, she saw my potential and gave me the confidence to grow into my role. Her kindness, patience, and trust helped me to build my confidence and grow into my role as a staff member. Joanna truly embodies the spirit of being bold and making change because she leads by example and inspires others to do the same. She’s been a real inspiration!” – Mihaela Turcu “I first met Joanna during my social work placement in 2017. While working with another service in the area, I began going out on joint shifts with the Brent outreach team and quickly realized this was the area I wanted to work in. I was eager to volunteer with the team, and Joanna fiercely advocated for me. At the time, I was young and inexperienced, but I was never made to feel that way. All learning happened at my own pace, and I’m deeply grateful that my early days in the sector were spent with such knowledgeable and compassionate staff like Joanna. I want to thank Joanna for giving me a chance and believing in me — that belief gave me the confidence to continue in this sector. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t met her!” – Willow Hilton “When I first started volunteering, I felt quite unsure of myself and doubted whether I had the skills or knowledge. Joanna was incredibly supportive from the very beginning. Even though she was often busy, she always took the time to explain things clearly and patiently, which helped me build confidence. Her encouragement and guidance have played a key role in my development, and I’m genuinely grateful for her continued support.” – Francesca Pintori To find out more about volunteering at St Mungo’s, click here.
St Mungo’s responds to the almost 5,000 people sleeping rough in London
New data released today (31 October 2025) by the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) which covers July-September 2025, shows that 4,711 individuals were sleeping rough in the capital. The data also shows that during this period: Outreach teams recorded 2,116 people in London sleeping rough for the first time. The number of people who were seen rough sleeping during July-September 2025 who were not new, was 1,914. This is 4% higher than the same period last year, and 14% higher than the immediately preceding period. Of those assessed for a support need, 54.5% had a mental health support need, the highest of those seen rough sleeping during this period. Emma Haddad, Chief Executive at St Mungo’s said: “Homelessness should have no place in our capital. Yet this summer, 4,711 people were forced to sleep on the streets – with 2,116 of those sleeping rough for the first time (45%). These figures are damning proof of our ongoing housing crisis, with rough sleeping at the sharpest end. “At St Mungo’s, we know how earth-shattering any experience of homelessness can be. Without enough affordable and social rented housing in the capital, thousands are being pushed into an overstretched homelessness system that simply cannot help everyone quickly enough. “The results are devastating. People’s mental health deteriorates, their physical condition worsens, and their trauma deepens. Without stable housing and early access to specialist support services, people are left trying to rebuild their lives on quicksand. “The passing of the Renters’ Rights Act marks an important step forward, but it is only one part of the solution. A homelessness strategy buttressed by long-term, flexible funding will be essential to catalysing the scale of change needed to prevent people from reaching the crisis point of rough sleeping in the first place “St Mungo’s stands ready to support the Government in its ambitions of ending homelessness for good so that nobody need spend a night on the streets again.”
Client Challenge 2025: Walking Together, Growing Together
Last month, our amazing group of clients, staff and volunteers came together for the Client Challenge 2025 – a weekend full of walking, laughter, teamwork, client involvement, and connection in the beautiful New Forest National Park. Hosted at the Minstead Study Centre, the challenge gave everyone a chance to step away from the bustle of everyday life and into nature, to reconnect, reflect and rediscover what’s possible when we work together. A weekend of challenge and connection From the moment we set off , the excitement was clear. Once we arrived at Minstead, we settled in, be it in the camping area or in the dorms, and shared dinner and gathered around the campfire. It was a fitting start to a weekend built on warmth and community. Over the following two days, participants took on a range of walks through the forest, from gentle five-mile strolls to full 15-mile treks. The New Forest showed off its best side though beautiful scenery, nature, open heathland, and ponies… Lots and lots of ponies! Those who chose to stay at the venue joined in with creative activities like using the forest to make wreathes, painting, and comical attempts at team charades. Everyone was part of the experience, no matter their pace or preference. Evenings were filled with ukulele singalongs, marshmallows, laughter, and the glow of the fire, with team quizzes, stories and a real sense of togetherness. What participants said “I can’t pick a favourite moment as the whole weekend was my favourite.” “What I loved was that we had people from different backgrounds and at different stages of recovery, but we were all together and integrated.” “By the time we had gotten on the train we had all already bonded.” “If I could describe it in one word: it would be: ‘fulfilling’.” These reflections capture the spirit of what the client challenge is all about: community. A big thank you A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the weekend such a success: Our dedicated clients, who showed courage, kindness and determination every step of the way and supported one another. The staff and volunteers for ensuring everyone was safe, supported and smiling and tirelessly making sure clients’ needs were catered to. The Minstead Study Centre for their hospitality and beautiful setting. And our corporate partners for donations of kits that were used by the clients over the weekend, including Warburg Pincus who generously donated £1,000 worth of camping items for the challenge. Looking ahead We’re already looking forward to next year’s challenge and can’t wait to build on the energy and inspiration this weekend created. We hope to see many new and familiar faces next year!
Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law, St Mungo’s responds
Yesterday (27th October 2025), the Renters’ Rights Bills received Royal Assent, officially making it an Act of Parliament. Responding to the news, Sean Palmer, Executive Director of St Mungo’s, said: “That the long-awaited Renters’ Rights Bill has officially become law is a watershed moment for tenants across the country, and welcome news for everyone committed to ending UK homelessness. At St Mungo’s, we see the real human impact of people pushed to the brink of homelessness by spiralling rents, unfair evictions and poor-quality housing. Affordable, accessible private rented housing is essential for preventing people from experiencing homelessness in the first place, and as part of their recovery. By delivering on its commitments to empower renters with greater security, protections and rights, the Government has taken a positive, tangible step towards ensuring everyone has somewhere safe and secure to call home. A clear, comprehensive homelessness strategy that brings focus to the issue across Government will further support this positive momentum, alongside long-term, sustained funding.”
St Mungo’s responds to record numbers in temporary accommodation
New data released today (16 October 2025) by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) which covers April to June 2025 has shown that a record number of households are stuck in temporary accommodation in England. According to the data, 132,410 households were living in temporary accommodation on 30 June 2025, which is an increase of 7.6% from 30 June 2024. The new statistics also show that: 48,170 single households were living in temporary accommodation at the end of June 2025 – a rise of 7.9% from the end of June 2024 78,630 households were supported by their local council to prevent or relieve their homelessness between April to June 2025 Of those households offered support: – 36,160 households were deemed at risk of homelessness and therefore owed a prevention duty – down 4.6% from the same quarter last year – 42,470 households were deemed already homeless and therefore owed a relief duty – down 9.4% from the same quarter last year Further data revealed that: In April to June 2025, ‘end of private rented Assured Shorthold Tenancy’ was the most common reason for households being owed a prevention duty. These households made up over a third (37%) of those owed a prevention duty in the quarter The most common support need was for those with a history of mental health problems, accounting for 22,520 or 28% of households offered support for homelessness. Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, Emma Haddad, said: “Homelessness continues to increase. These latest statistics, showing record numbers of people being housed in temporary accommodation rather than having a safe and suitable home of their own, is yet another stark reminder of how deep the homelessness crisis is and how desperately we need to fix it. At St Mungo’s our frontline teams see, every day, how vulnerable many people are to losing their home, how stretched the system is and how hard it is for people to secure safe, suitable and affordable homes. We also see how fundamental a decent home is in supporting people to lead full lives and reach their potential. The Government has made some welcome announcements about increasing housebuilding and funding to local authorities for homelessness. However, we don’t yet have a homelessness strategy or the focus we need across government. These figures show how much more needs to be done. St Mungo’s is ready and committed to work with the Government and the sector to make this happen and end homelessness for good.”
£84 million investment in homelessness services announced on World Homeless Day, St Mungo’s responds
Today (10 October), the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced £84 million of funding to help support people rough sleeping and families facing homelessness this winter. The investment will be distributed to councils across England, with London receiving the largest share of £36.5m. This new funding comes alongside the Government’s record investment of £1 billion into ending homelessness and rough sleeping this year. Responding to the news, Sean Palmer, Executive Director of St Mungo’s, said: “Record numbers of people are currently without somewhere safe and stable to live, and thousands more are at risk of losing their homes, therefore St Mungo’s welcomes the Government’s announcement of a much needed extra £84 million for homelessness services. Winter is a particularly challenging time for people affected by homelessness, so this injection of funding will be invaluable. It will help ensure services like St Mungo’s can continue to support people off the streets and into emergency accommodation, where they can rebuild their lives. We do now need a clear and comprehensive strategy from the Government setting out how they are going to address this homelessness crisis and, alongside it, longer-term funding. This would allow local authorities and service charities like St Mungo’s to move towards sustainable interventions that end homelessness. St Mungo’s stands ready to work alongside Government and the sector to end homelessness for good.” The funding announcement coincides with St Mungo’s takeover of London Victoria station on World Homeless Day, where charity staff, volunteers, and St Mungo’s supporters will be coming together to raise awareness of how to support people experiencing homelessness across the railway network. Since February 2025, St Mungo’s has provided specialist support to people rough sleeping in Charing Cross and Victoria railway stations – two of London’s biggest and busiest railway stations. With the support of Network Rail, these teams work alongside station staff and passengers to engage with people who are sleeping rough, offering immediate help, and connecting people experiencing homelessness with accommodation, health and support services. Between April and June 2025, 93% of those who engaged with St Mungo’s Outreach teams were referred onto further support, such as accommodation, health services, and employment and training support, to help them begin rebuilding their lives. Hannah Faulkner, Head of Pan London Rough Sleeping Services and Prevention at St Mungo’s, said: “Our Outreach teams see high numbers of people rough sleeping in London’s train stations. As well as containing basic facilities such as phone charging, showers, toilets, and shelter from the elements, railway stations have a near-constant stream of passengers passing through them. This can mean that people experiencing homelessness in stations can be hidden or unknown to services. With dedicated teams on the ground every single day, we can build up valuable trust, and offer support to even more people who are rough sleeping in the capital, with the support of Network Rail, station staff, and members of the public.” The charity has also provided specialist training for Network Rail colleagues as part of the Homelesswise initiative. The training program, which is run by St Mungo’s, provides businesses with the knowledge and skills they need to safely support people experiencing homelessness. Since St Mungo’s Outreach teams began working in London Victoria and Charing Cross, referrals made by Network Rail staff to StreetLink have increased by 87%. The service, which St Mungo’s helps to run in London, connects people who are rough sleeping to local support. Referrals made by members of the public, meanwhile, have increased by 450%. Kathleen O’Malley BEM, Social Value Manager for Network Rail said: “Stations are safe and secure environments that people gravitate towards. What’s great about this partnership is that it means that our staff here at Victoria station have the tools to signpost people in the right direction. By having a dedicated Network Rail outreach team we have people focused on stations – and not a whole borough – which means that they have the time to invest in the relationships with the individuals we are trying to support”. To find out more about the MHCLG’s latest funding announcement, visit £84 million injection to tackle homelessness – GOV.UK
Newcore Capital host exciting tournament to raise funds for St Mungo’s
On 1st October, our corporate partner Newcore Capital hosted an exciting padel tournament to raise funds for St Mungo’s. The event brought together teams from across the property and real estate sectors for a day of fun and friendly competition, while supporting a meaningful cause. Held at Padium in Canary Wharf, the tournament saw 48 teams take to the courts, competing in pairs with lots of energy, enthusiasm and plenty of friendly rivalry. To add to the excitement, a raffle with fantastic prizes (including padel accessories, game vouchers, and golf course entries), helped raise even more funds for St Mungo’s. The combination of ticket sales, sponsorship, and raffle donations resulted in an impressive £17,765 being raised. Our Corporate Partnerships team joined the day’s action; cheering on players, taking raffle payments, sharing the impact of St Mungo’s work and thanking everyone for coming along. Jane Adams – Associate Director, HR & Office Administration at Newcore Capital, said “We were delighted to host the recent padel tournament at Padium in Canary Wharf in support of St Mungo’s, bringing together 48 teams of two for an incredible day of sport and fundraising, raising over £16,000. The energy, enthusiasm, and generosity shown by all participants helped raise vital funds for this important cause. An additional thank you to our sponsors for their generous support whose contributions helped us make a meaningful impact.” A huge thank you to Newcore Capital for organising such a fantastic event and to everyone who participated and supported the day. The enthusiasm of both players and organisers helped make the tournament a huge success. The Newcore Capital Padel Tournament shows the real impact our corporate partners can have, supporting St Mungo’s life-changing work while bringing people together for a day of purpose and fun.
Deaths rise by 9% among people affected by homelessness in 2024, St Mungo’s responds
Deaths among people affected by homelessness in the UK have risen by 9% in a year, according to statistics from the Museum of Homelessness’s Dying Homeless Project. The research suggests at least 1,611 lives of people experiencing homelessness were cut short in 2024. This had increased from 1,474 deaths in 2023 and 1,313 deaths in 2022. Data had been gathered through freedom of information requests, coroner inquests and memorials submitted by bereaved family members. Responding to the news, Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said: “These latest statistics showing a rise in deaths among people affected by homelessness is heart-breaking, and further proof of just how serious and potentially life-threatening all forms of homelessness can be. People who die while experiencing homelessness are on average at least 30 years younger than the general population. At St Mungo’s, we’re seeing the damaging consequences of rough sleeping, day in, day out, and are working hard to help people off the streets and to get the help and support they need. We are looking forward to publication of the Government’s homelessness strategy that we hope will embed cross-government working and ensure that health and welfare and a whole range of services are brought together to tackle the growing homelessness crisis. At St Mungo’s, we will continue doing everything we can to prevent homelessness, and support those affected to rebuild their lives for good.”
Celebrating our collaboration with Network Rail this World Homeless Day
This World Homeless Day we’re celebrating St Mungo’s work with Network Rail, established to support people experiencing homelessness across the rail network. Since February 2025, Network Rail has supported outreach services delivered by St Mungo’s at two of the busiest stations in London; Victoria and Charing Cross. Specialist teams work alongside station staff to engage with people sleeping rough, offering immediate help, connecting them with accommodation, health and support services, and creating pathways into recovery. Through the HomelessWise training, run by St Mungo’s, a number of Network Rail colleagues have learned how to better support people who may be experiencing homelessness and how to make effective referrals. Combined with Network Rail’s own rough sleeping toolkit for staff, this training has made stations safer and more welcoming for everyone. On Friday 10 October 2025, we’re celebrating World Homeless Day with a collaborative collection event. Staff, volunteers, and St Mungo’s supporters will be coming together at Victoria station to raise awareness and vital funds for our work. We are so proud of what we’ve achieved together so far, and we’re excited for the future. By combining Network Rail’s reach and resources with St Mungo’s mission in ending homelessness and rebuilding lives, we’re helping more people get the support they vitally need. You can find out more about our HomelessWise training by clicking here. To find out more about the outreach work St Mungo’s undertakes every day, click here.
