On the panel will be Mike Clarke, the CEO of The Passage Homeless service, John Kuhrt from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Father Dominic Robinson SJ, the parish priest of Farm Street Church and co-ordinator of the Central London Catholic Churches Homeless Services, Elizabeth Wills from Caritas Westminster, and homeless guests from Central London Catholic Churches. Colette Joyce, Justice & Peace Co-ordinator at the Diocese of Westminster, will moderate the discussion.
Taking questions from the floor, the panel will reflect on how homeless services coped during the pandemic (when many statutory services and physical places of aid were closed) and how that impacted upon those without a home. What learning experiences can be drawn from this period, and how can voluntary and statutory agencies effectively plan for any future pandemic-style disruption – and can those lessons also be applied to ‘normal times’?
This event is unique as it will involve government and voluntary representatives, alongside those who personally experience homelessness.
As the cost of living increases, and local and national government prepare to further ‘tighten belts’, this is a great opportunity to explore what happens next.
Light refreshments will be provided, and the event will also be livestreamed at www.farmstreet.org.uk
.jpg)
The team at St Beuno's have created this retreat for participants to reflect on Pope Leo XIV's statement: "We want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering."
