Bench Outreach

Bench Outreach helps vulnerable people to overcome homelessness and lead lives that have meaning and purpose.
Providing advice & support and #HousingFirst

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

We are thankful that the cold snap has passed but it is still dangerous out there for rough sleepers, no matter what the weather is doing.

We are open and available to support those who are homeless, struggling with their housing, or who need help navigating the welfare system.

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

A gentle reminder that if someone sitting on the street looks really poorly, you could save their life by asking if they need help or an ambulance.

Contact @StreetLink_ to let outreach services know about people sleeping outside - this weather could be lethal.

[Sadiq Khan @SadiqKhan]

London: it’s freezing outside. Emergency accommodation is open across the capital so those sleeping rough have somewhere warm and safe to stay.

If you see anyone who needs support - contact @StreetLink_ who can help.

[Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @MayorofLondon]

Emergency accommodation has opened up across the capital to make sure anyone sleeping rough has a safe and warm place to go.

If you see someone sleeping rough, tell Streetlink who can alert local services to bring them in from the cold.

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

In this freezing weather make sure you know where you can go to warm up - here is a map of @lewishamlocal's 'warm welcomes', drop-in spaces free of charge where they provide hot drinks, some hot food, social activities and additional support:

https://t.co/6IAG2mIzVq

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

A shocking juxtaposition on @guardiannews this morning - inequality is thriving in the UK in 2024.

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

Happy New Year! The office is now open and we're back to work supporting those who need it.

If you need help with homelessness, housing, or benefits, get in touch - you can pop in to make an appointment, or call 020 8694 7740.

[Samaritans @samaritans]

No matter how or if you celebrate, it’s normal that this time of year can affect your mental health. If you’re having a tough time right now – you’re not alone 💚

Here’s 4 tips for staying grounded this festive season that might help 👇🧵 1/5

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

We are getting ready for Christmas! Bench Outreach will be closed this Friday 22nd, returning on 2nd January.

In the meantime, we're making sure clients have food, gas and electric money, and access to any helplines they might need over Christmas.🎄

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

A really handy resource listing all the free meals in Lewisham this Christmas - please share🥰

Community events like these ensure people are not only fed, but that they have company during what can be a difficult or lonely time of year for many.❤️

[Lewisham Local @lewishamlocal]

🎅 Free Christmas Food & Support in Lewisham 🦃

Our Good Food Lewisham (@GFLewisham) project has compiled a handy guide to the Free Meals and Services available across Lewisham this Christmas.

Take a look, and add your own 👇

https://t.co/dWfgeODpTI

[StreetLink @StreetLink_]

If you see someone sleeping rough this winter, make @StreetLink_ alert to connect them to support services.

Your action can save their life.

To make an alert go to: https://t.co/aemiWqkMNG

#BeTheLink

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

Thank you so much to Christ Embassy Church in Deptford for their generous donation of food that we will be able to give away to clients to keep them going over the Christmas period.

We really appreciate the support of our wonderful local community at this time.💚🎄

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

The @MayorofLondon's Rough Sleeping Charter shows that rough sleeping is a central issue to Londoners, and that there is a shared will from both charities and the public to end rough sleeping.

https://t.co/9BamWlxsGM

[Lewisham Council @LewishamCouncil]

This is a powerful film by Annie from Amour Destiné, a survivor of domestic abuse.

Visit our website to learn more about different types of abuse, events happening in Lewisham and the help available.
https://t.co/t0FrDuCtvg

#16days #Enough #GenderBasedAbuse

[Lewisham Council @LewishamCouncil]

Can you see the signs of coercive control when the mask slips?

- Gaslighting – making you question yourself
- Monitoring your phone / social media
- Spreading misleading information

Coercive control is domestic abuse and a crime. Help and support is available on 0800 112 4052.

[Pathway @PathwayUK]

We welcome the three-day pause in evictions from asylum accommodation when SWEP is activated. This minimum humanitarian response must be extended to the full duration of SWEP periods in order to avoid deaths, while working towards a 56 day move on period. 1/2

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

It is life or death out there. This is preventable. Please, no more blaming homeless people for 'poor life choices' when they are simply trying to survive.

We hold these people in our thoughts and prayers, and in our actions as we help as many survivors as we can.

[999 Club @The999Club]

Fantastic News!

We have reached our Big Give target of £22,500!
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.

MORE GOOD NEWS: A generous donor has offered to continue matching gifts on our website https://t.co/COd9udWm1j!

#WinterAppeal #999Club

[Bench Outreach @BenchOutreach]

This generation of children will be impacted for years to come by these levels of poverty and neglect.

As will their parents who are doing everything they can to keep kids safe, warm, and fed - the housing crisis and the cost of living crisis are truly traumatic for thousands.

[Trussell @TrussellUK]

🚨 Official government stats released today show that at the end of June, 138,930 children were homeless living in unsuitable, temporary accommodation in England.

This is a record high. And this is shocking.