End Homelessness – The Society of St James

More Than a Setback: Why Every Attempt at Recovery Matters

Fahim Miah — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:43:19 +0000

“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 everything, the person kept trying.

In our 2026 Christmas Appeal film, Joe's words challenge the way we think and talk about recovery. They remind us that people are more than their setbacks, their circumstances or the challenges they face.

Because sometimes, what looks like failure from the outside is someone finding the strength to try again.

People are more than a label

When someone experiences homelessness, poor mental health or problems with drugs or alcohol, it can become easy to define them by those circumstances.

Words such as homeless, addict, difficult or relapser can begin to overshadow the person behind them.

But no label tells someone's whole story.

It does not explain what they have experienced growing up, the challenges they have overcome or the circumstances that have shaped their life. It does not recognise the appointments they have attended, the relationships they have rebuilt or the difficult days they have managed to get through.

Most importantly, it does not tell us what that person might still achieve.

At The Society of St James (SSJ), we believe everyone deserves to be treated as an individual, with their own experiences, strengths and aspirations. Our approach is about seeing the person, not simply the problems they are facing.

Recovery is not a straight line

Rebuilding a life after homelessness, addiction or difficult experiences is rarely straightforward.

Progress can take time. There can be difficult periods, setbacks and moments when moving forward feels impossible.

In Joe's story, finding somewhere safe to live does not mean everything suddenly falls into place. He still experiences anxiety and has things to work through. He is also beginning to understand how experiences from his childhood have affected the way he feels today.

But something has changed.

He has consistent support around him, opportunities to connect with other people and the encouragement to think about what comes next.

He is considering joining the SSJ Academy walking group to help manage his anxiety, exploring training opportunities and perhaps returning to work in the future.

These are not overnight transformations. They are steps towards a different future.

And every step deserves recognition.

Seeing the person, not just the problems

One of the most important themes in Joe's story is the difference it makes when somebody takes the time to understand you.

Reflecting on his experience with SSJ, Joe says:

“Someone cared. They saw me for me. Not just my problems.”

Being treated with understanding and compassion can make a significant difference to someone's journey.

Good support is not simply about asking what is going wrong. It is about understanding what someone has experienced, recognising their strengths and helping them identify what might make the next step possible.

It is also about building relationships based on trust, consistency and respect.

For someone who has spent years feeling judged or misunderstood, having people who believe in their potential can help them begin to see that potential themselves.

From surviving to looking forward

Towards the later part of Joe's story, the way he talks about his future begins to change.

He describes feeling calmer, understanding more about his experiences and recognising the difference that consistent support has made.

He begins to look beyond simply getting through each day.

One line captures this change particularly well:

“Now I want to live again.”

It does not mean every challenge has disappeared or that his journey is complete. It means that, with the right support, he can begin to imagine a future beyond the difficulties he has experienced.

And that is what recovery can be about: creating opportunities, rebuilding confidence and helping someone find reasons to look forward.

The bed is the beginning. Everyone deserves the chance to try again.

This Christmas, our appeal is about more than providing someone with a safe place to sleep.

It is about the support that follows. The relationships that help rebuild trust, the opportunities that restore confidence and the encouragement that helps someone keep moving forward.

At The Society of St James, we believe people should never be defined solely by their setbacks.

Whether someone is taking their first step or trying again after many difficult experiences, they deserve compassion, understanding and the opportunity to build a different future.

Because sometimes, a serial relapser is also a serial trier.

Help us provide the support that makes another attempt, another opportunity and another beginning possible.

DONATE TO THE CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Joe is played by an actor. His story brings together real experiences shared with us by people we have supported. We have combined these experiences and changed identifying details to protect their privacy.

Going beyond the kindness of a coffee: How your donations help end homelessness

Fahim Miah — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:34:44 +0000

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 that it is a complex issue, with no single solution.

While everyday acts of kindness can offer comfort and connection, ending homelessness requires something more. It takes dedicated services, long-term support and the resources to help people rebuild their lives.

That is where your donations make a real difference.

The good news: Making a difference, one person at a time

Homelessness can feel like an overwhelming problem, but positive change is happening every day.

Last year, The Society of St James supported more than 3,500 people across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.

For some, this meant helping them move away from homelessness and rough sleeping. For others, it meant providing the support needed to turn difficult situations around before they reached the streets.

We also worked with people at risk of homelessness, helping prevent it from happening in the first place.

Preventing homelessness wherever possible is one of the most effective ways to make a lasting difference. It can help people avoid the dangers of sleeping rough, protect their relationships with family and friends, and reduce the wider impact homelessness has on our communities.

Every person supported represents an opportunity for a different future.

The power of prevention and early support

Homelessness is not just about losing somewhere to live. It can affect someone's physical and mental health, relationships, employment and sense of security.

The longer someone experiences homelessness, the harder it can become to find a way forward.

That is why early intervention and prevention are so important.

By providing the right support at the right time, we can help people address challenges before they escalate. This benefits individuals, their families and the wider community.

At SSJ, our work goes beyond providing accommodation. We work alongside people to understand their circumstances, access the right services and take steps towards greater stability and independence.

Positive partnerships create lasting change

We are incredibly grateful to the people and organisations who make our work possible.

From commissioners who invest in essential services to businesses looking to create a positive impact in their communities, our partnerships play an important role in tackling homelessness.

And to every individual who chooses to donate, fundraise or support our work: thank you.

Financial donations are particularly valuable because they allow us to direct resources where they are needed most. They also help us make the most of opportunities such as matched funding, where donations can go even further.

Unlike a coffee that might last a few minutes, your donation can help provide the resources needed to create lasting change.

It helps us continue supporting people beyond the immediate crisis, giving them opportunities to rebuild their confidence, regain independence and move towards a future beyond homelessness.

Your kindness can go further this Christmas

We know that giving feels good. There is something special about knowing that you have helped another person, whether through a donation, fundraising challenge or supporting a local charity.

This Christmas, we are asking you to take that kindness one step further.

A donation to The Society of St James helps us continue our work to prevent, relieve and end homelessness across Hampshire.

Every contribution matters. Together, we can help more people find safety, access support and build a brighter future.

Help us make a lasting difference, one person at a time.

DONATE TO THE CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Thank you for being part of our mission. Here's to more kindness, more positive change and a future beyond homelessness.

Community Day Rehab: Supporting those in Need

Fahim Miah — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:10:58 +0000

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 stuck in repetitive patterns of unhelpful behaviour. These take us away from the life that we want to live. CDR has a structured 8-week programme, that is abstinence based, and we work alongside clients during weekdays - Monday to Friday, 9am-3.30pm.

CDR also has a range of community groups which run six days a week, that have similar content, but don't require complete abstinence. These are for people who might not be ready for the full programme or have other commitments.

How the service helps?

We offer trauma-informed interventions both in person and online via Zoom (in the evening). They include structured behaviour change groups, yoga, acupuncture, mindfulness, a women’s group, a Sunday group, breath work & self-compassion based practices plus a counselling service.

These can help to:

Notice the patterns that keep you stuck.
Learn new skills such as soothing your central nervous system to help handle difficult thoughts, feelings, anxieties, boredom and sleep disorders.
Identify & connect with who and what is important to you.
Start taking steps towards creating the life you want based on these values.

At Community Day Rehab it’s understood how difficult this work can be, but the service has supported many people to change their lives for the better.

2026 Feedback from Sue Atkins - Senior Sister, Alcohol Specialist Nurse Service, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth

For many patients referred to the ASNS it is the first time that alcohol has either been addressed and identified as contributing to their illness, or for other patients their Alcohol Misuse Disorder has had an impact on their lives for many years and resulted in repeated alcohol-related admissions to QAH. CDR is certainly our go-to service within SSJ for patients requiring either an inpatient or outpatient detoxification programme. The service mirrors the intensity of the ASNS treatment programme.

All referrals, either directly or via the Hub, are actioned very quickly, capturing the teachable moment. The CDR team are very happy to contact patients directly to provide an overview of the service and we feel this approach helps engage patients. As a team, we feel that the CDR timetables are invaluable and patients consistently provide positive feedback about them. CDR was instrumental in starting up our QAH Alcohol Behaviour Change Group. This is the envy of many hospitals around the country, as is the philosophy of Community Day Rehab as an alternative to residential rehabilitation.

Positive Client Feedback (2026 Satisfaction Surveys)

"Having acupuncture sessions massively reduces my cravings and anxiety. I feel more calm and relaxed for several days afterwards. It helps me sleep better and has helped my depression."

"Very informative. I feel very safe and respected. Supportive."

"The attitude of the staff and fellow service users. You feel welcome and it's a safe, non-judgemental space where it's easy to share if you wish."

"Calm. Really friendly. Wonderful. Welcoming. Nice food."

"CDR is going well. There should be more places like this."

"Positive, made to feel welcome, and was allocated a key worker on day one."

"Starting with breathwork and mindfulness every morning sets you up for the day. Repetition of daily modules helps you remember."

Contact Us

If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on:

Phone: 02392 861423

Email: onlinerecovery@ssj.org.uk

Location: 69 Kingston Road, Portsmouth, PO2 7DX

Visit the website:

https://www.portsmouthrecovery.org/how-we-help/

Making Hep C History in Portsmouth

Society St James — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:45:26 +0000

World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity to celebrate a significant milestone for Portsmouth. Through the dedication of partner organisations, frontline teams and people with lived experience, the city has achieved hepatitis C micro-elimination within its adult drug and alcohol treatment service.

This achievement is about much more than statistics. It reflects months of partnership working to reach people who may have experienced homelessness, trauma, poor health or barriers to accessing healthcare. By offering testing in trusted settings and supporting people quickly into treatment, partners have helped improve health outcomes while reducing inequalities.

Although this milestone is worth celebrating, the work continues. Sustaining micro-elimination means continuing to offer testing, maintaining awareness and ensuring everyone who could benefit from treatment has the opportunity to receive it. Together, we are committed to keeping Hep C history in Portsmouth.

About the partnership

The Portsmouth Hepatitis C Micro-elimination Programme has been delivered through partnership working between:

Inclusion (part of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust)
The Society of St James
Hep C U Later, an initiative of the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance
The Hepatitis C Trust
Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
NHS England

Key facts

Partnership established: July 2025
Hepatitis C micro-elimination achieved: 16 July 2026
More than 650 hepatitis C tests completed.
Around 25 people diagnosed with active hepatitis C.
All but three commenced treatment.
The programme focused on increasing access to testing and treatment for people accessing Portsmouth’s adult drug and alcohol treatment service.

About hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that affects the liver. Many people experience no symptoms until the disease has progressed, but it can now usually be cured with a short course of antiviral medication if diagnosed early.

About hepatitis C micro-elimination

Micro-elimination is the achievement of eliminating hepatitis C within a defined population or service through systematic testing, rapid access to treatment and ongoing follow-up. It contributes to England’s wider ambition to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat. Further information here: What does hepatitis C micro-elimination in drug services mean? – HEP C U Later

How Accommodation Based Support Empowers the Journey Out of Homelessness

Fahim Miah — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:58:00 +0000

The path to independent living isn’t always a straight line; more often than not, it is a journey taken one steady step at a time. Within our mission to tackle homelessness, the Accommodation Based Support service serves as a vital bridge for individuals transitioning toward long-term stability.

Operating across eight properties in Southampton, this service provides 60 dedicated bed spaces designed to help people find their footing in a safe, structured environment.

All the support to our clients is person - centered, led by the client, and trauma-informed. Also, the support is based on their needs, and is led by them day to day with as much or as little support as they would like. Offering them support with appointments, budgeting, cooking, shopping, and whatever their needs may be.

The Next Stage in the Journey: What is "Step-Down" Support?

Many of the clients who enter our accommodation-Based Support service are coming directly from intensive, high-support services.

Think of it as a "step-down" phase. When someone has experienced long-term homelessness or trauma, jumping straight into a completely independent tenancy can feel overwhelming and, at times, unsustainable. This service acts as the crucial next stage in their journey - offering a bit more freedom than intensive crisis care, but keeping a strong safety net firmly in place.

Led by the Individual, Guided by Care

No two journeys are identical, which is why our approach to support is entirely person-centered and client-led.

What does that mean in practice? It means our clients are in the driver's seat. Our teams meet individuals exactly where they are, tailoring day-to-day assistance to be as comprehensive or as hands-off as they prefer.

Furthermore, our care is strictly trauma-informed. We understand that the obstacles our clients face are often rooted in deeply challenging past experiences. By fostering an environment of safety, trust, and choice, we ensure that healing and independence go hand in hand.

Building the Practical Skills for Lifelong Success

True independence is built on a foundation of practical life skills. To ensure our clients are fully prepared to maintain their own tenancies in the future, we work alongside them to tackle day-to-day tasks that many take for granted.

Depending on what an individual needs on any given day, our team is there to help with:

Budgeting and Money Management: Learning how to stretch an income, pay bills, and prioritize spending.
Health and Wellbeing: Navigating the healthcare system and attending important appointments.
Daily Living Skills: Mastering cooking, grocery shopping, and managing a household.

Ultimately, our goal isn't just to provide a temporary roof over someone's head - it is to equip them with the tools, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive independently for the rest of their lives.

The SSJ Academy

Fahim Miah — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:05:08 +0000

The Academy is an education, health, and wellbeing programme that helps people experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness. Helping to build confidence, develop new skills, and move towards independent living. Through a range of activities, including education, sport, volunteering, and employability support, the Academy provides opportunities for personal growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We at The Society of St James believes that everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity, respect, and the right support. At The Society of St James, we believe that meaningful opportunities can be life-changing. The SSJ Academy is designed to empower people to improve their physical, mental, and social wellbeing, The Academy helps individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and take positive steps towards lasting independence and brighter futures.

Re-Fit

Re-Fit focuses on improving physical and mental wellbeing through sports, hobbies, and a variety of engaging activities. By encouraging people to stay active, try something new, and connect with others, participants can reduce isolation, build trusting relationships, boost self-esteem, and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Re-Set

Re-Set provides access to accredited courses and learning opportunities that help people develop valuable life skills, gain recognised qualifications, and build confidence. Whether learning practical skills or working towards personal goals, participants are supported to create new opportunities for education, employment, and independent living.

Re-Connect

Re-Connect offers volunteering opportunities that help individuals gain valuable experience, develop transferable skills, and enhance their employability. Volunteering also provides a chance to rebuild confidence, establish positive routines, and reconnect with their local community, creating meaningful relationships and a renewed sense of purpose.

The SSJ Academy is about more than learning new skills – it's about creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping people move forward with purpose. Whether through education, meaningful activities, or volunteering, every step taken can make a lasting difference.

If you'd like to find out more about the SSJ Academy or explore how you can get involved, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're interested in volunteering, partnering with us, or supporting our work, get in touch with our team today and help us continue empowering people to transform their lives.

Email: academy@ssj.org.uk

Phone: 023 8063 4596

Our Christmas Advent Calendar Is Here!

IT Support — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:14:34 +0000

Christmas is coming! Our virtual advent calendar is launching on our social media channels today, featuring original poetry written by people with lived experience and performed by service users, volunteers and members of the SSJ team.

The poems communicate different aspects of homelessness, covering topics including drug misuse, mental health issues, and addiction recovery.

The calendar also shows how you can donate to specific causes, such as buying a hot meal or a Christmas gift for our service users. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) to unveil the advent doors throughout December!

This Christmas, Society of St James aim to raise £15,000 to help support people experiencing homelessness in Southampton, Portsmouth and across Hampshire. We hope that this appeal will help to break the stigma surrounding homelessness and fund essential services and support for vulnerable people this Christmas and throughout the year.

SSJ will be working with local businesses to encourage fundraising events such as Christmas Jumper Days and cake sales to help reach our £15,000 target. The charity urges businesses to share photos of their fundraisers on social media, tagging them and using the hashtag #SSJChristmas.

Chief Executive Trevor Pickup said:

“Homelessness is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects thousands across our region. Many people face stigma, discrimination, and isolation because of their housing situation. They are often blamed for their own misfortune, or ignored by society.

But we believe that everyone deserves dignity, respect and compassion. That’s why we are launching this campaign to raise awareness and funds for our work with people who are homeless and are facing multiple problems. We want to show them that they are not alone, that they are valued, they have hope for the future and that we will carry on supporting them despite what can often present as a protracted and cyclical journey to independence.”

To get involved, visit our social media channels today, or visit our dedicated Christmas Appeal page to view our fundraising packs and learn more about our fundraising goals.

SSJ provides a comprehensive range of services, including hostels, transitional housing, substance misuse services and an academy of life skills classes, volunteering, sport and craft opportunities. By successfully implementing these services, the organisation challenges the stigma associated with homelessness, provides support and rehabilitation, and promotes sustainable solutions to reduce the number of individuals experiencing homelessness.

We are looking for new Trustees

Society St James — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:19:44 +0000

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join The Society of St James as a Trustee where you will be able to have an impact on the work we do to end homelessness.

We are looking for Trustees who are as committed as we are about tackling social disadvantage and supporting people to realise their full potential. To enhance our current Board of Trustees and continue to develop our governance, we are looking for individuals with a breadth of key skills, knowledge and experience in the public or private sector, but particularly in the following areas:

- housing
- property
- environmental issues
- fundraising
- finance

Current Trustees describe their role within SSJ as enriching and rewarding. In exchange for their time and commitment, new Trustees can expect to:

Help set the strategic direction of a £15 million organisation, employing over 350 people across Hampshire
Make a valued contribution to the charity sector
Acquire new insights, broaden their experience and meet new people
Contribute to the development of others through the sharing of skills and experience

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Nicky Cantello on 023 8063 4596 or nicky.cantello@ssj.org.uk for a full Role Description and/or an informal discussion. You can also download the role description HERE.

Lenny’s Heartwarming Journey: Climbing for a Cause

IT Support — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 08:57:29 +0000

Inspired by the IOM Snowdon trip, committed and brave fundraiser, Lenny Court, aged 9, also decided to climb Mount Snowdon in July to raise funds to support people who have been rough sleeping.

Lenny has been supporting our work since he was 5 collecting donations to help the homeless starting with 100 coats in 2019, 200 hats, gloves and scarfs in 2020, 300 shoes in 2021 and 400 toiletry items in 2022. For 2023 he is aiming to raise £500 to buy welcome packs for rough sleepers moving into temporary accommodation.

Lenny’s dedication and determination were truly inspiring. With the support of his mum, Rachel, and a heart full of compassion, he tackled the mountain with the spirit of a true adventurer. “We had such a brilliant time,” Rachel shared. “Lenny was up that mountain like a whippet! He was so proud of himself, chatting with anyone and everyone about what he was doing and who for. It was just brilliant!”

Climbing Snowdon was no easy feat, but Lenny refused to give up. The purpose behind his climb served as a driving force, pushing him forward even when the going got tough. “I never gave up,” added Lenny. “I was thinking about all the homeless people I could help get off the streets and have better lives.”

Lenny’s heartfelt efforts touched the hearts of many, and the response was overwhelming. Not only did he achieve his initial goal of £500, but he went above and beyond, raising a total of £1170! His dedication and the generosity of those who supported him meant that more rough sleepers would receive the essential welcome packs they deserved.

Lenny’s journey reminds us all that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference in our society. He proves that a small act of kindness can create a ripple effect of compassion and change. We are immensely grateful to Lenny for his selfless commitment to improving the lives of others.

Thank you, Lenny, for being a shining example of how one young heart can make a big impact. Your efforts have not only provided tangible support to those in need but have also shown us the true meaning of compassion and empathy.

What does Christmas mean to people affected by homelessness?

Society St James — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:41:10 +0000

What is Christmas to those without a home?

What does Christmas mean to people who are affected by homelessness? Do they notice the bright lights, do they watch people walk by – Christmas shopping in the cold evenings? Do they wonder what might happen if they had the chance to enjoy a traditional Christmas, as we do, with friends and family?

The answer to the above is yes, but it is also complicated – with many more emotions and feelings playing a part in how people affected by homelessness feel about Christmas.

Last year we asked service users what Christmas means to them. Their replies ranged from exciting to scared and lonely. This isn’t unusual – as every person at SSJ is an individual with their own feelings and thoughts. Whilst some may look forward to our traditional Christmas Meal – provided thanks to our appeal – others may have thoughts of regret relating back to missed opportunities or lost loved ones which mean they find Christmas challenging.

Senior Support Worker Lucy recently spoke to Barry, who has been in our services for a while now, and his thoughts on Christmas show that all kinds of memories can resurface at this time of the year.

Barry said; “Christmas it is horrid, if it was a colour it would be black. It’s a very emotional time. There is a photo of my mum and dad sitting on a step in black and white from 1967, near Christmas time in 2015, I went back to the step and slept on it due to a relationship breakdown, and my mum had passed away.

“People helped me over Christmas time when I was homeless, someone brought me out a Christmas dinner one year, people gave me lots of jumpers, jackets and money which I was very grateful for.”

Barry continued; “now I am temporary accommodated, Christmas is still a hard time due to bereavement and mental health however I am working on myself and have better people in my life who support me now I am kind of looking forward to Christmas. “

Barry speaks about how Christmas can feel like the colour black, but ends with the fact that there is now a support network in his life – and the Christmas Meals Appeal gives us the chance to show Barry that Christmas can be a positive time of the year – and who knows what that good feeling might do for Barry in 2022.

Even for us, those who are lucky to have a home and a family to go home to at Christmas – this time of the year can be complicated, stressful and challenging. Those feelings can be multiplied for people who have a history of homelessness – some who are facing complex health issues too – meaning Christmas can feel incredibly daunting and very lonely.

Our appeal will provide a gift or a Christmas meal to people affected by homelessness, but most of all it will be provide hope.

Please support our appeal by clicking here.

If you want to find out more about our appeal – email Dennis.Jones@SSJ.org.uk

Thank you for your support this Christmas.