The Kings Scholar Passage (KSP) Community Garden Project began in early 2020 when a small group of neighbours – led by Sarah and Bridget – decided to add some much-needed greenery to the area.
With the support of The Passage CEO, Mick Clarke and the participation of Vivene Malcolm, a Support Worker from our Montfort House accommodation project, the initiative took off.
Clients and staff from The Passage, along with residents of Carlisle Place – including teenagers stuck at home during lockdown – joined the outdoor gardening sessions. The group has benefitted enormously from generous donations of pots, plants, soil and gravel from local residents and businesses keen to support us.
Today, a space that was neglected is brimming with beautiful pots with lush plants that soften the look of the brick walls and lift the spirits.
– Sarah and Bridgit with Viv, centre
Following its success, Viv helped set up raised beds in our roof garden, where Montfort House residents are growing fruit and vegetables.
Boosting wellbeing and strengthening connections
The gardening project has continued to flourish and the people we support are reaping the benefits. There’s a proven link between gardening and wellbeing, and growing things gives our residents an interest outside themselves. By observing the lifecycle of plants, they see the importance of change and how everything has a beginning and an end.
Viv’s ‘adopt-a-plant’ scheme – where clients take ownership for a plant – has proved to be particularly valuable. Steve found adopting strawberries helped him process the death of his mother. Reporting on his strawberries’ progress has helped him to engage with his family in a positive way.
Similarly, Alex has been able to honour the memory of his dad through his adopted chilli peppers – a vegetable his father loved. Jade had a simpler motivation. She loves cooking with potatoes so by adopting them she’s been able to enjoy both life-enhancing hobbies.
Local relationships have thrived too. Working together helped us connect with our neighbours and given them a deeper insight into the work we do.
“My role at The Passage has really shown me that anyone can find themselves homeless and we can help get people back on their feet.” – Vivene Malcolm, Support Worker at Montfort House.”
Insights from our Lived Experience Assembly member, Jonathan.
“I have been actively involved in the Lived Experience Assembly (LEA), and previously the Experts By Experience team since 2023.
It feels that the challenge of homelessness can be tackled by building on The Passage’s achievements to date. The aim of our new strategy is to end homelessness, and ensure that the people who we help off the streets, never have to go back there.
We know that we can’t do this unless everyone in the community – from professionals to people experiencing homelessness – collaborate.
The LEA helped shape the strategy by sharing our views on how to find new ways to improve outcomes for The Passage’s service users. We know what works well, and what needs to change, including public perceptions, and working to integrate back into the community, from our own lived experience.
Unfortunately, homelessness numbers keep growing, through circumstances beyond our control and we have to be ready to adapt to those challenges. At The Passage, all staff and senior management should be extremely proud of their efforts to ease our clients’ journey and address their homelessness, even though it seems like an uphill challenge.”
Want to collaborate with us?
As The Passage marks its 45th anniversary, Chief Executive Mick Clarke shares his thoughts on our unique approach and hopes for the future.
“I just wanted to make a difference”. This is Mick Clarke’s reply when asked why, many years ago, he started as a volunteer in another homelessness project. Years later, it seems that being CEO of The Passage is enabling him to do very much that.
As Mick says: “I love the fact that every day our work either prevents someone from ending up on the streets or for those who have, helps them to safely get back into accommodation, employment and society. But I also love how The Passage is able to use our innovative work as evidence to help influence and share good practice with others, bringing about lasting change.”
It is projects like The Passage’s flagship prevention project – No Night Out – which was developed following our learnings during the pandemic, that Mick is clearly excited about.
“No one in this country is born on the streets. It’s circumstances that put them there. If I hit the streets tomorrow, I wouldn’t have a drink, substance or mental health issue. But I can guarantee that if I was left here, after a few weeks I’d have at least one. So it’s vital we act with urgency.”
No Night Out has prevented hundreds of people from spending a single night on the streets, by helping them into emergency bed and breakfast accommodation and then, via The Passage’s Private Rented Sector team, into longer term accommodation.
“What’s really encouraging is that over 90%* of those using the scheme are sustaining their accommodation and not going back to the streets. We have solid evidence that No Night Out is a truly replicable model nationally, that others can adopt and use.” Mick Clarke
We refuse refuse to believe that homelessness, and in particular street homelessness, is inevitable in 21st century Britain.
No Night Out is part of a wider focus on prevention. Whilst people may find themselves in housing crisis, surely they do not need to end up on the streets.
What about those who may say that it is impossible to end street homelessness?
“Over 50 years ago, as a society we sent people to the moon and brought them back safely, with less computer power than I am holding now in my hand [points to mobile phone]! If we could do what seemed impossible over 50 years ago, surely, with the right will, focus and common purpose, and by working together, society could end street homelessness.”
Spending even one night on the streets can negatively impact a person’s health, safety, and sense of stability.
The longer someone rough sleeps, the harder it becomes to rebuild. By moving quickly and offering immediate support, we break the cycle before it takes hold.
To save someone from a night on the streets of London, a night of emergency accommodation costs approximately £75. If you can, please consider donating today and protect someone from the impact can have on a person’s wellbeing and safety.
*Of the 360 people we’ve reached via No Night Out since the service was launched in July 2022, only 24 needed further support and just 5 remain street homeless today.
Here at The Passage, we work tirelessly to ensure that people do not have to face the most challenging period of their lives alone. We strive to support everyone who walks through our doors, particularly as the cold and wet weather approaches.
Not only do we provide a safe, warm place to visit during the daytime, but we also encourage our Service Users to meet with our Resettlement Team. Their main objective is to understand each individual’s needs in order to organise a bespoke package of support, with the aim of ending their homelessness for good.
We asked our Jenny, to help us understand why the importance of this work increases during winter.
What is the impact on people rough sleeping in winter?
Severe weather is life-threatening, and we often face challenges when we try and develop trust with people to encourage them to come inside. It takes the skill and patience of The Passage staff, who are working flat out during this period.
Imagine that you are sleeping outside in the West End during the festive season, with people rushing past, wrapped up in their own lives and stopping less to say hello to someone who is on the streets.
This can have a really isolating impact and make you feel lonelier than ever.
Dark winter evenings mean that people face a very long, cold night on their own if they are sleeping outside. But as soon as the doors of The Passage’s Resource Centre are open, our staff are there to give individuals a warm welcome and a plan to help them away from a life on the streets.
“Our incredible staff at the Resource Centre give care no matter what the issues are. Our job is to make people feel valued.“
Jenny Travassos – Director of Services
When the temperature drops what plans does The Passage have in place?
As well as opening during the day, our Resource Centre serves as a temporary emergency night shelter when the temperature drops past zero on three consecutive nights. This usually happens between January and March, when the weather is bitterly cold at night. The Passage operates on the ‘In for good’ principle, meaning we view this as an important opportunity to speak with those using the emergency shelter, so they do not have to return to life on the street.
Help people to stay warm and dry this winter
At our Resource Centre, we run a clothing store providing people with the essential everyday items they need to look and feel good. During the winter months, this service becomes even more vital, as temperatures drop and the wet weather worsens.
If you can, please consider donating your unwanted items of winter clothing (must be in good condition).
- Coats (winter and waterproof)
- Tracksuit bottoms and warm trousers
- Jumpers and hoodies
- Boots, trainers and shoes
- Hats, gloves and scarves
Heading up the team in our Resource Centre Kitchen is Primary Services Manager – Claudette Dawkins – who has worked at The Passage for the past 25 years. Last year alone, over 34,000 meals were prepared and served to those who have been impacted by homelessness.
When did you start working at The Passage?
I started working at The Passage in May 1999. When the role of Head Chef at The Passage came up, I went along for the interview and got it! I’ve been here ever since, and no day is the same, which is why I love it here.
“It’s a matter of pride for me and I always try and put myself
in the position of the people we serve”
– Claudette Dawkins, Primary Services Manager and Head Chef
Tell us about your team?
I work with Nour at The Passage, and Micky and Koko, who are based at Passage House Assessment Centre. But, it’s safe to say we could not do it all by ourselves! So, we also have a dedicated team of kitchen volunteers who do everything from prepping the food, setting up for meals, and helping to clear up.
How do you cater for different tastes?
We always try to have options that are suitable for all palates – it is a juggle, but we aim to provide nourishing and hearty home-cooked food. It’s a matter of pride for me, and I always try and put myself in the position of the people we serve, considering how I would like to be fed if I were on the other side of the counter.
What does a typical day look like for you?
- My first and main priority is always the smooth running of the kitchen, so that is where you will find me if Nour is not in, getting breakfast and lunch ready for our clients.
- I also plan our Community Lunch days, of which we have about two per month.
- I plan catering requirements for fundraising events at our conference venue, Cathedral View. The largest event I plan for is our annual Garden Party, where I cater for about 500 people!
- Another part of my role is teaching Food Hygiene Level 1 to kitchen volunteers, as I am a qualified trainer and a member of the Royal Society for Public Health.
How do the clients feel about the meals – what does it mean to them?
A lot of the people we support would have spent a horrible night out on the streets, and to receive a hot meal can mean the world. It can also help to lay the foundation for them to then go on to our other services and be more receptive in addressing any help they may need.
What are you planning for Christmas dinner?
I am planning a full roast dinner – turkey, beef, all the trimmings and more!
Want to get involved?
Join our team of Kitchen Volunteers
Follow in Claudette and the team’s footsteps by joining our team of dedicated volunteers. With flexible shift bookings, it’s never been easier to give back your time.
Provide someone with a hot meal
A donation of £10 to The Passage could help someone who has been impacted by homelessness, to receive a warm breakfast or lunch at our Resource Centre.
At 86 years old our inspirational supporter Adrianne shows us how to put your best foot forward, after taking part in The Passage’s first ever Walk To End Homelessness in Battersea Park, earlier this year.
What motivated you to take part in this event for The Passage?
I walk a lot to keep myself fit and useful and the 10k challenge was an excellent way to combine that with supporting The Passage, which I have done for about 40 years.
How did you feel seeing the community come together to support The Passage?
I was delighted to see how many people had turned out to support the invaluable work of The Passage, supporting those who have been impacted by homelessness.
What advice would you give to others considering joining the Walk to End Homelessness?
Just do it! At 86, I was possibly the oldest person doing the 10k – and I managed it. It’s a good idea, however, to “train” by walking whenever you can find the time.
Anything else you would like to add?
Homelessness is one of this country’s biggest problems. It is heartbreaking to see people who, generally through no fault
of their own, are reduced to sleeping rough. We need government organisations that emulate The Passage by training people experiencing homelessness for work and, through that, enabling them once again to become active members of society.
Feeling inspired?
Join us on the 18th of May 2025 at The Passage’s next Walk to end Homelessness.
Click here to see the photos from the Walk To End Homelessness 2024
