Author Archives: Matt

Meet a volunteer: Megan

MeganI was introduced to SFTS by my friend Jane about two years ago and have been a regular member of mighty Monday night shift ever since.

Considering the shelter is essentially a big shed in the middle of an industrial estate in central London it is pretty miraculous how homely and relaxed it always feels. By about 6.30pm most of the guests have arrived and not long after we are all doing what many families around the country do every evening at home; sitting down to dinner, chatting, laughing and arguing about what to watch on the TV.

It is the ability of the shelter to create such an atmosphere that makes it so special and successful. The recognition that our guests need practical help, but also, a place to relax, feel safe where they can receive a little extra care and support seems to make all the difference.

Meet a volunteer: Anthony

AnthonyAnthony doesn’t like to remember how he came to be homeless, the memories are too painful. Besides, it is all behind him now, in his past. For the last year he has been working as an administrator for a film production company, a role he got through the shelter.

Now he comes back each Monday to work as a volunteer, using his own experience to help people stuck in similar situations. “The people at the shelter taught me never to give up on myself,” he says. “It took the pressure off me, gave me the space and time to get myself together.” He says that’s a rare luxury. Most shelters in London make people move on after a fixed amount of time. “The shelter gave me the opportunity to help myself. If it wasn’t for that place, I could be dead now.”

Guest stories: Macala

MacalaMacala’s mother has suffered from bipolar disorder all Macala’s life. Macala is 25. Although Macala’s mother took medication, this was not always adequate or effective – in the past, Macala was able to stay with relatives or friends if the relationship between mother and daughter became fraught.

Earlier this year however, Macala’s mother suffered a manic episode so severe that Macala was forced to leave her family home in Enfield. With nowhere to stay, Macala contacted Eaves and they provided her with emergency shelter in Enfield before referring her to Shelter from the Storm. Macala joined us in mid January, returning to a part of London well known to her in her childhood – her grandfather lived in Angel.

Initially she was nervous about her employment prospects but a month after settling in to the shelter she found work in West London. She enjoys her new job, and the company of her colleagues, considerably. Next week Macala will move into a room in North London. She is excited about the move and looking forward to decorating her new bedroom. Recently Macala reestablished contact with her mother and they are taking tentative steps towards rebuilding their relationship.

Meet a volunteer: Max

Max“I first got involved with Shelter from the Storm as I go travelling every summer and come back thinking I’m going to change the world but never actually get round to doing anything.  So a friend of mine Maddy suggested coming to the shelter and I loved it.

“I work Monday nights, mainly throwing biscuits at other volunteers and getting in the way, and occasionally carrying things about if Sheila shouts at me to do something.  I’ve tempered my ambitions to become head chef – turns out I’m better qualified as reserve deep fat fryer cooker and chopping stuff.  Whoever cooks it, I take the credit when it’s served. Recently I’ve started teaching English to guests as well, mainly just helping them with conversation – which more accurately means I just talk about my love life and they try to understand it.

“I enjoy it more and more each time I go – both getting to know the volunteers (it’s widely agreed by the Monday night team that the Monday night team are the best) but also the guests.  It’s opened my eyes to what homelessness actually means and changed my perceptions completely.  It’s much more complicated than you think.

“What I’d tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at the shelter? If you’re really interesting and fun come on a Monday night. If you’re weird but still want to help, then come some other time! Seriously though, I tend to think that volunteering in whatever capacity is only sustainable if you enjoy it as well as helping others – and the atmosphere in the Shelter means you do both.  I always look forward to going.”

Graham Coxon to headline our spring party

SFTS_SUMMERPARTY_INVITE_2013_05
Shelter from the Storm and Downstairs at Mother present an evening of exquisite music, featuring a 30 minute solo acoustic set from one of Britain’s best loved songwriters, Graham Coxon.
We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of musical hero and local resident Graham Coxon. Graham’s career began in the 1990s as the guitarist and co-writer in the Blur, achieving international success. Graham’s 8th solo record ‘A&E’ was released last year to widespread critical acclaim.
In support will be one of the country’s best and youngest talents, the incredible Denai Moore, and to start the party we have performances from the Cable Street open mic collective. To round us off we’ll be playing some rock and roll on the wheels of steel till they kick us out and it’s time to go home.
Not only that, we have that talented and fabulous Nail Something crew who’ll be coming down to paint the town – and your nails – red (or whatever colour or design you wish) for a small fee that will go directly to the shelter. Nail Something is a creative nail art business that draws inspiration from fashion, beauty and fine art to create amazing nail art – check out their website to find out more.
By attending this event you will not only experience incredible performances and artwork, but every penny of the ticket price – just £20 – and any money spent in the bar will go directly to the shelter To put it in perspective, every £10 provides a warm bed and food for one person for one night.
Click here to book your tickets online.
Visit our Facebook event page to say you’re attending – and invite your friends too!

Guest stories: Margaret

MagaretMargaret is 62. “But everybody tells me I look younger”, she says. She came to London 25 years ago from Poland, where she’d worked as a German translator.

She began by studying English, initially planning to return home. However, she stayed on, working in pubs and cafés, cleaning and looking after children. “I’ve always liked London”, she says: “I used to go out a lot, to plays and concerts.” But as the economic climate worsened, work dried up. She could no longer afford her room and became homeless: “I spent five weeks at Victoria coach station, sleeping sitting up”, she says, shuddering as she’s now been at SFTS for several months and cherishes having a bed: “After losing it all and being out on the street, you appreciate everything here”, she says: “The shelter is like a university of life — you have time to learn to cope and to get to know yourself better.

She hopes to find work and become independent again. “I’m still around and my brain works”, she laughs. She’d like to use her languages or work with children. Another dream is to travel to Nepal, or somewhere in South America: “I was born in the mountains, so I love climbing and trekking.

Margaret says she used to see the downside, even when good things happened. But that’s changed since arriving at the shelter. “When you’re down, you have no choice”, she says, “I’ve never been so positive in my life”.

Guest stories: Darren

Darren
Darren spent ten years in the British Army. He was wounded while on duty in Afghanistan when an IED blew up the truck he was travelling in. Darren spent a year recovering in hospital, but has always struggled badly with post-traumatic stress disorder. After a spell living rough, he got himself together again, found a partner and took a job as cook.

 

One day he was called home from work by the police. His girlfriend had taken a heroin overdose. She had never used the drug before. She died three months later. Distraught, Darren turned to drink and drugs. He served three years in prison after an assault.

 

Thanks to support from the shelter, Darren has been clean for two months. “When I’m tempted to drink now,” he says, “I think of this place, and what I owe them, and then I count to 100.”

Meet a volunteer: Kate Riley

Kate_Riley“London is an especially awful place to feel lonely. I found Shelter from the Storm when I was looking for somewhere to volunteer in my neighborhood – somewhere to feel like part of a community.

“And while chopping vegetables and washing dishes, I got to know not only the other volunteers, but the guests as well, many of whom I recognized from around Islington and still see even after they have left the shelter.

“It’s a truly local labor of love. Shelter from the Storm runs on good, simple work: making supper, feeding people, and listening to their stories. It feels easier to say “yes” to others there; it feels easier be kind.”

Roll up to the Shelter from the Storm’s xmas fete this Saturday!

SFTS_XMAS_INVITE_2012_V4Come on down to Islington Green this Saturday for the festive event of the year: Shelter from the Storm’s xmas fete!

Need some last minute gifts? You’ll find them here, as well lots of fun festive treats such as santa’s grotto, mulled wine, organic coffee, a BBQ, cakes and mince pies, vintage clothes, books and art. Not to mention our lovely xmas cards – check them out here.

Enter our mega raffle and you could even win one of a host of fabulous prizes such as a De Longhi Expresso coffee machine, comedy tickets, gig tickets, tickets to watch Soccer am live, champagne and vouchers for some of London’s top restaurants. Visit the shelter to pick up your raffle tickets – and pick up more to sell to your friends and family!

Best of all, it’s free and all the money raised from the event will go straight back into the shelter.

So come on down – and make sure you invite your friends (you can even share it on Facebook here): looking forward to seeing you there!