Homelessness Prevention

Homelessness is not inevitable.

It is often the result of predictable and preventable challenges such as poverty, isolation, poor health, relationship breakdown and a lack of support at key moments in life. That's why we take a public health approach to homelessness prevention, working alongside individuals, families and communities to tackle the issues that can place people at risk before they reach crisis point.

Whether through access to food, opportunities to connect with others, volunteering, learning new skills or strengthening relationships, our work helps people build the stability, confidence and support networks that can prevent homelessness before it starts.

Reducing Hunger and Supporting Healthy Eating

Access to nutritious food is about more than tackling hunger. It supports health, wellbeing, dignity and financial resilience, while creating opportunities for people to connect with their communities.

In 2025/26, our Felix Depot (formerly FareShare) redistributed enough surplus food for 1.71 million meal equivalents, preventing 719 tonnes of good-to-eat food from going to waste. Worth £2.47 million, this food reached breakfast clubs, lunch clubs, community pantries and local organisations across 7 local authorities,  while preventing an estimated 1,438 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

We also supported:

• 137 people weekly through our 14 community pantries, providing affordable access to quality food.
• 206 people supported at our community cook school lunch clubs and cooking sessions, helping people gain confidence, develop new skills and enjoy healthy food together.

Building Stronger Communities and Lasting Connections

Feeling connected to others can play a vital role in preventing homelessness. Strong communities create the relationships, support networks and sense of belonging that help people navigate difficult times. From our befriending services to our community activities, we have supported people to reconnect to their community, build relationships and increase their confidence.

During 2025/26:

• 1,825 people took part in wellbeing activities, green space programmes, yoga sessions and over-60s groups.
• 343 people connected with others through our lunch clubs, community meals and cooking activities.

These opportunities help reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and create meaningful connections that strengthen individual and community resilience.

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Creating Purpose, Confidence and Opportunity

Having a sense of purpose, belonging and achievement can be life-changing. Through volunteering, learning and personal development opportunities, we help people build confidence, gain experience and take positive steps forward.

Last year:

• 78 volunteers, many with lived experience of homelessness, contributed 13,690 hours at our Felix Depot.
• 135 people achieved qualifications, including Food Hygiene and Barista Skills certificates.
• 30 people regularly attended our free Thursday Community Lunch Club, building friendships and reducing isolation.
• 52 volunteers challenged themselves to achieve personal milestones, including marathons and abseils in support of Cyrenians.

For many people, these opportunities are about far more than gaining a qualification or giving their time. They provide a safe and welcoming space to develop confidence, build relationships and rediscover what they are capable of.