Charity teams up with Thameslink to help break cycle of homelessness

A London charity is spearheading a programme to improve the health and wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness close to some of the capital’s railway stations, thanks to a grant made by train operators Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern.

Single Homeless Project’s Mind In Motion initiative will run over 30 inclusive and accessible sports and exercise sessions from its accommodation services near Finsbury Park, Herne Hill and Crofton Park stations.

The hope is that this will encourage participants to engage with their health and wellbeing, and progress with the charity's Education, Training and Employment programme, helping them back into work, breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Sports Manager Gareth Jones at Single Homeless Project said: “We are excited to support our clients to access parks and local spaces thanks to this grant from Thameslink.

“Sport and physical activity are a positive way to engage with our clients, supporting them to access open green spaces, connecting people and reducing periods of isolation.”

The activities will support three separate groups using a mixture of sport and yoga: adults with complex needs, women-only and 16–25-year-olds who will also learn bike maintenance skills (see editors’ notes).

GTR, which operates Great Northern, Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express services into London, made the grant as part of its £300,000 Your Station, Your Community initiative.

Your Station, Your Community will support four projects in the London area, and 18 across its network from Bedford to Brighton.

GTR's Chief Executive Officer John Whitehurst said: “Your Station, Your Community is about listening to local people and working with them to bring their ideas to life. Every year we’re inspired by the creativity of the groups involved and the difference their projects make locally.

“Our railway exists to bring communities closer together, and we’re incredibly proud of the role our grant recipients play in strengthening the places we serve. I can’t wait to see this year’s projects come to life."

The three separate courses

1. For adults with complex needs, the Single Homeless Project Sport Team will meet clients at their accommodation service, cycle with them to a nearby park for multisport sessions, and finish in a local cafe for guided mental health conversations that promote connection and shared understanding.

2. A second strand will engage women from one of our women-only accommodation services through walking groups in local green spaces and in-house yoga sessions, responding directly to feedback on what feels safe and accessible.

3. The third strand will support young people (16-25) through cycling and bike-maintenance sessions, building confidence, practical skills, and progression pathways into further Education, Training and Employment (ETE).

Across all strands, Mind in Motion will tackle isolation, strengthen wellbeing, and empower participants through sport and open dialogue.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Other projects funded in London

• Art in The Park / IVY Studios

A large-scale community-led public art project at Elephant and Castle station, enhancing the station environment and fostering community pride. (£24,000)

• Integrate Agency

Supporting 30 young people aged 18-30 from low-income households around Loughborough Junction station with clear routes into paid employment. (£10,000)

• Ascension Trust - Bridge watch

Compassionate suicide prevention work on and around bridges over the River Thames. (£10,000)

• Single Homeless Project

Above. (£9,999)

• Protection Approaches

A continuation of GTR’s Protection Approaches Active Bystander training empowering people to respond safely if they witness harassment, hate crimes or antisocial behaviour – focusing on supporting victims. (£20,000)

• Thomas Pocklington Trust

Delivering the next phase of Embedding Accessible Rail Standards for Blind and Partially Sighted People, helping to transform rail travel into a more inclusive, welcoming and accessible experience (£10,000)

• CoCreative Connection

A creative project supporting the network of Station Partners across GTR with CoCreative Connection (£15,459)