By Harriet Hallam (freelance volunteer journalist)
In the heart of the Chichester community, Stonepillow is fighting daily to better the lives of the homeless and the vulnerable. With two Day Hubs in Chichester and Bognor Regis, the charity works tirelessly Monday to Friday from 9 – 5pm 365 days a year to provide a welcoming environment where those in need can find warmth, support, and security. Stonepillow is committed to supporting rough sleepers, and those in temporary or supported accommodation to begin their journey for a better future.
Central to Stonepillow’s work are the Day Hubs; safe and warm spaces where anyone experiencing homelessness can find respite from the realities of living on the streets. Each day, the hubs offer the essentials of living: a warm shower, the ability to clean clothes, and a hot meal. Breakfast and lunch is made by staff or volunteers and provided free of charge for those who are rough sleepers and in temporary accommodation. For individuals who are in supported accommodation, but cannot afford food for various reasons, lunch is available at 50p.
Physical relief is not all the hub provides, but a sense of community and mental support. With weekly classes available, clients are encouraged to learn new skills, such as attending English Language classes. This enables those whose first language is not English, to help break down any communication barriers they may experience. There is also a big focus on physical health, with weekly exercise sessions being held in the hub, in addition to the Breen Machines football team which practices every week on a Tuesday. This prompts for bettering specific skills that may be required in securing employment and integrating back into society.
Throughout the day, various meetings between Support Workers and clients take place. Support Workers build strong, honest relationships with their clients, working closely to discuss personal topics and listen to their needs. These discussions vary from securing accommodation, overcoming personal difficulties, or navigating online banking. Whatever the challenge brought to the Support worker, a solution is always found.
Working alongside local services, such as the police and the local hospital, Stonepillow being closely connected ensures that all clients have access to comprehensive and focused care. Regular visits from a doctor, ensure clients receive medical attention, while visits from a local hairdresser helps the clients feel refreshed and cared for. With active involvement and regular meetings with council members and community leaders to continuously assess their efforts, it identifies areas for improvement and ensures that awareness of homelessness remains a priority in the Chichester and Arun districts.
Whilst every day and week is wildly different at Stonepillow, the focus never changes. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges, the charity provides a vital service for those vulnerable and those facing homelessness. Their commitment to helping individuals regain stability and independence is making a real difference, one person at a time. As homelessness remains a complex issue within society, Stonepillow’s efforts show that consistent, sensitive support can help pave the way to a better future for some of the most vulnerable members in our communities.
