Vital Homelessness Support Secured for Older People in Cambridge Thanks to Generous Grants

By Community Correspondent

Vital support services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness can continue with newly secured funding for Cambridge Cyrenians.

Thanks to generous grants from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Ann Docwra fund Cambridgeshire Area Quaker Meeting, Cambridge City Council’s Homelessness Prevention Grant (HPG) scheme and a funder who prefers to remain anonymous, Cambridge Cyrenians can continue providing life-changing support to individuals at some of their most challenging moments of their lives.

The charity’s Older Homeless Service, a lifeline for individuals over 45 who are facing or at risk of homelessness, has been awarded £20,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation and £8,500 from the HPG scheme, alongside funding from the Ann Docwra fund, Cambridgeshire Area Quaker Meeting and the anonymous funder.

This essential service enables older people experiencing or at risk of homeless to:

1. Secure and maintain safe, stable and appropriate housing.
2. Access personalised support that promotes independence and dignity.
3. Be involved in decisions about their care.
4. Access healthcare and wellbeing support, thereby reducing hospital admissions.
5. Receive consistent, long-term support that builds trust over time.

Cambridge Cyrenians’ unique approach not only helps older people avoid a return to homelessness but also improves their overall quality of life.

James Martin, Director at Cambridge Cyrenians, said:

"The generous support from these organisations shows the real value of our Older Homeless Support Service. Without the service many of the individuals supported would fall back into homelessness. Often our staff are the only regular contact people have with the outside world, which helps to tackle the isolation and loneliness many experience.”

One person who has benefited from the charity is Mark, who said:

“Being with Cambridge Cyrenians means you’re safe and off the streets. It’s fantastic... everything you could ask for. It’s helped me keep a routine, eat properly, and find some stability.” 

“Cambridge Cyrenians is very good for people like me. They don’t judge; they really understand what we’re going through. They’ve helped me turn my life around.” 

In addition, a further £8,500 grant from the HPG scheme will go towards housing support, enabling the organisation to continue offering safe, supported accommodation across the city for men and women experiencing homelessness.

These new funds ensure that this vital work can continue for those most in need.

For more information about Cambridge Cyrenians and how to support their work, visit:https://cambridgecyrenians.org.uk

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