Blog
Substance Misuse Support for Southampton: SSJ&I
What SSJ&I is? In July 2026, The Society of St James excitingly took over the delivery of Southampton& adult alcohol and drug service, and that is when SSJ&I was officially born. Delivered alongside our partners at Inclusion, SSJ&I represents a major step forward for integrated, compassionate care in our city. Our ongoing commitment is to…
Read MoreMore Than a Setback: Why Every Attempt at Recovery Matters
“I was always considered a serial relapser. I think I am a serial trier.” It is one of the simplest lines in Joe’s story, but perhaps one of the most powerful. Two ways of describing the same person. One focuses on what went wrong. The other recognises something equally important: the fact that, despite…
Read MoreGoing beyond the kindness of a coffee: How your donations help end homelessness
A warm coffee, a friendly smile or a kind conversation can make someone’s day. Small acts of kindness matter, particularly for someone experiencing homelessness. But what does it take to make a lasting difference? At The Society of St James (SSJ), we know that people want to see an end to homelessness. We also understand…
Read More“They saw me for me, not just my problems”: Why consistency matters
For someone experiencing homelessness, finding somewhere safe to stay is an important first step. But rebuilding a life takes more than a roof over your head. It takes time, trust and people who are willing to stand by you. For Joe, one of the most important things about the support he receives from The Society…
Read MoreThe bed is the beginning: What happens after someone comes off the street?
For someone experiencing homelessness, finding a safe place to sleep can change everything. But what happens next? In our Christmas Appeal film for 2026, we meet Joe, whose story reflects the real experiences of people supported by The Society of St James (SSJ). One moment captures something simple but powerful: Joe standing at a sink,…
Read MoreSSJ has been quietly delivering results for years – now we need to shout about it!
For more than 50 years, the Society of St James has been helping people move away from homelessness and towards a more positive future – one person at a time. What began as a night shelter in Southampton has grown into a charity supporting people across Hampshire, wherever people experiencing homelessness need help. Why our…
Read MoreWhy do so many people struggling with homelessness have a history of poor mental health?
What happens when life simply becomes too much? For many people experiencing homelessness, the story starts long before they lose their home. It can begin with: Childhood trauma Domestic abuse Poor mental health Relationship breakdown Unemployment or financial pressure A lack of support And it can happen to anyone. Someone can have a university degree,…
Read MoreSt James Care
Care Homes: Supporting People Beyond Homelessness For some people, moving away from homelessness is only the beginning of their journey towards stability. At the Society of St James (SSJ), we understand that overcoming homelessness does not always mean that someone no longer needs support. For many vulnerable adults, there can be ongoing challenges linked to…
Read MoreHow Art Helped Someone Find Peace From Addiction
After fighting addiction for 25 years, a person who we support describes how art has helped them to move past addiction and find hope. After years of relapse, the individual found abstinence, peace of mind and calmness through art. Today we showcase their work, and how using their creativity, through drawing portraits, has helped them…
Read MoreCommunity Day Rehab: Supporting those in Need
What is Community Day Rehab? The Society of St James and Inclusion (part of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust) are here to support and guide people through a drug and alcohol recovery journey. At CDR there is a belief that no one is broken or needs fixing, but as humans we can, and do, get…
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