Field House Support St Mungo’s in Ending Homelessness and Rebuilding Lives

On Wednesday 25^th May, Regional Fundraising Coordinator for St Mungo’s, Laura Thomas, led House Collect to develop Field’s understanding of the charity that is set on ‘ending homelessness’ and ‘rebuilding lives’.

Field House have supported St Mungo’s in their mission to rebuild lives since the student body committed to helping local homelessness charities as part of their House charitable engagement.

One of Field’s recent initiatives was particularly palatable in the community when £220 was raised over two break times from the salesof cookies. Previously, the House has made up and delivered care packages for St Mungo’s clients.

“Our clients had just moved into their pods a week before Christmas and receiving those packages that you donated, meant that they could have a Christmas present which is amazing, so thank you so much.” acknowledged Laura as she detailed the various ways that people help and can support the organisation.

Laura then spoke about the importance of diminishing the stigma around homelessness. Students learnt that although addiction is perceived as the main causes of homelessness, the reality is quite the opposite. “Addiction often comes about as a coping mechanism once a person is actually living on the streets. People are often here due to being unable to cope with mental health conditions, previous abuse, or breakdowns in familial relationships or one with whom that person may have been living with.”

The stigma around homelessness even warranted the invention of the name ‘St Mungo’s’ when founding members of the group correctly anticipated that a name with religious connotations might permit them to be left alone to complete the work they needed to do.

Laura continued, “Taking a stand and thinking about homelessness in a different way is the first step. If you see someone that is homeless or sleeping rough, that person is still a person and acknowledging that person, smiling at them, saying hello, is a massive step to recognising that these people need help.”

From humble beginnings in 1969, to opening their first hostel in a former marmite factory a year later, to today where they currently operate 17 outreach teams (one of the largest providers of these services in the country), and are on a mission to end homelessness by 2026, St Mungo’s have remained clear about their vision and values.

Reflecting on the most interesting thing she’d discovered from the talk, Eliza in Year 10 said “I was surprised at how many programmes there are across the UK.” “It’s not what you can do on your own but what we can achieve collectively.” commented, Jakki Marr, Housemistress of Field, as she addressed her House.