At The Society of St James (SSJ), we believe that everyone deserves a chance to rebuild their life, and Mo’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when the right support meets unwavering determination.

Mo first came to SSJ as a service user, facing challenges that many of the people we support experience instability, uncertainty, and a need for someone to believe in her.

But Mo’s journey didn’t stop there. With the encouragement and guidance of our staff, she began volunteering with SSJ. Giving her time, energy and compassion to others who were going through similar struggles, she quickly became a vital part of our community.

That experience lit a spark and today, Mo is a paid member of the SSJ team, delivering local sports sessions that promote wellbeing, confidence, and connection.

Her transformation isn’t just professional, it’s deeply personal. As Mo says:

“SSJ recognised me for me.”

This simple, powerful statement captures what we aim to do at SSJ every day: to see the person beyond the circumstances, to offer not just help, but opportunity.

Mo’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of support services that invest in people’s potential.

If you’d like to get involved in our 2025 Christmas campaign here more stories like Mo’s and support us to continue to help people with building positive futures then please visit; ssj.org.uk/chritsmas25/.

Raechel’s words speak volumes.

She came to us with lived experience and was given something many people in her position are often denied: a chance. Today, Raechel is a proud member of our team, using her experiences to support others.

Her story is just one example of the impact your support can have.

At Society of St James, we believe in second chances, and third, and fourth, and as many chances as a person needs. We believe people are more than their circumstances. And when someone is given the right support, stability, and opportunity, incredible things can happen.

This winter, we’re calling on our community to get involved in our Christmas Campaign as we aim to raise vital funds to continue this life-changing work, locally.

With your help, we can:

• Offer safe, warm housing
• Create pathways into employment, just like Raechel’s
• Bring bespoke and tailored support.

Coming soon: Raechel’s full story

We’ll be sharing Raechel’s full journey as part of our Christmas Advent Calendar, which is launching on 1st December.

Every day in December, we’ll open a new “door” to reveal real stories from people connected to SSJ, including service users, staff, volunteers and supporters.

Get involved today

You can help make more stories like Raechel’s possible.

Donate to support our £80,000 Christmas campaign
Sign up to our newsletter to receive exclusive Advent Calendar updates
Share Raechel’s story to spread the message
Fundraise or volunteer in your local area

click the link to get involved – https://ssj.org.uk/christmas25/

Be part of the solution to ending homelessness locally this Christmas.

Starting 1st December, we’ll be sharing our Christmas Advent Calendar, powerful and personal stories from the people who make our work possible: service users, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Each day, a new story will be revealed, stories from people whose lives have been transformed, our amazing staff, supporters and volunteers. But there’s more…

Get more than just a daily door

By signing up to our newsletter you will see more than just our advent calandar. You’ll get:

• Exclusive sneak peeks before the doors open to the public
• Behind-the-scenes moments and bloopers
• Updates and insights you won’t find anywhere else
• A closer look at the people behind the campaign

This is our way of saying thank you and giving you a front-row seat to the impact your support makes possible.

Be the First to Know

We want our newsletter subscribers to be the first to experience the heart of this campaign.

So if you haven’t already, make sure you’re signed up as soon as possible.

Sign up here: https://ssj.org.uk/newsletter/

Help us end homelessness locally this Christmas.

From 1st to 25th December, you’ll complete 24 mini daily challenges, from light-hearted festive fun to acts of kindness and awareness-raising, followed by one final day to reflect on the impact you’ve made.

It’s completely free to take part, and everyone’s welcome!

Why Take Part?

The challenge isn’t just about festive fun (although there’s plenty of that!). It’s also a way to do something truly meaningful this Christmas.

We’re aiming to raise £80,000 to support people in our local community who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Your involvement, whether you’re raising funds or simply spreading awareness, helps us provide safe accommodation, tailored, bespoke support, and the chance for people to rebuild their lives.

Who Can Join?

Absolutely anyone.

• Individuals looking for a new way to give back
• Families who want to make December more meaningful
• Schools and youth groups building kindness into the classroom
• Workplaces looking for a festive, team-building challenge
• Friends or flatmates doing something together for a good cause

Whether you take part on your own or with others, every action adds up to something bigger.

What’s Involved?

Each day from 1st to 24th December, you’ll complete a fun or thoughtful mini challenge, it could be a silly dare, a random act of kindness, a way to raise awareness or show support. Then on the 25th, you take a moment to reflect on the difference you’ve made.

We’ll provide a downloadable calendar packed with ideas, or you can get creative and make it your own!

How to Take Part

1. Download the FREE Advent Challenge calendar → [Insert Link]
2. Set up a fundraising page via JustGiving and choose The Society of St James as your charity to raise money for.
3. Invite your friends, family, school, workplace or group to join in
4. Start your challenge on 1st December
5. Share your journey on social media using #SSJAdventChallenge
6. Download our [Fundraising and Social Media Packs] to make it easy!

It’s easy to get started — and every small act adds up to real impact.

Real Change. Real Impact.

Every day you take part, you’re not just having fun, you’re helping change lives.

By getting involved in the SSJ 25-Day Advent Challenge, you’ll help us:

• Raise vital funds to support our £80,000 target
• Provide safe housing and practical support for people pushed into homelessness
• Raise awareness of homelessness in our local communities
• Build a stronger, more compassionate community, together

Ready to Get Started?

Download your Advent Calendar
Set up your JustGiving page
Don’t forget to share your challenge using #SSJAdventChallenge

Whether you’re taking part for fun, fundraising, or both, your actions will help us bring hope, support, and lasting change to people Christmas.

Thank you for being part of the journey to end homelessness locally.

Homelessness is often misunderstood and those misunderstandings can create harmful myths and stigma. That’s why we’re shining a light on the real stories behind the statistics, and the truths behind the myths.

By learning the facts, we can create compassion.
By changing the conversation, we can change lives.

As part of our £80,000 campaign to end homelessness locally this Christmas, we’ve put together a series of common myths and the facts that challenge them.

Myth: Homelessness is only when people rough sleep.
Truth: People who are sofa-surfing, trapped in unsafe housing, or at risk of losing their home are also considered homeless.

Myth: Homelessness is not local.
Truth: Last Christmas 200+ people slept rough in Hampshire alone.

Myth: People choose to be homeless.
Truth: People can be pushed into a broken system. Homelessness is a complex issue with often complex causes.

Myth: My small donation won’t matter or won’t make a difference.
Truth: Just £10 could provide a Christmas meal and gift for a resident.

Myth: People don’t want help.
Truth: People often have a lot of trauma, mistrust, fear, or past negative experiences that can make it hard for someone to engage, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want support.

Help us be part of the solution

This winter, we’re aiming to raise £80,000 to provide urgent support, safe accommodation, and opportunities to people experiencing homelessness right here in our community.

You can be part of this, whether by donating, fundraising, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

Click here to find out more about how you can get involved.

Homelessness is rarely caused by just one thing. Often, it’s linked to trauma, substance use, poor mental health, or lack of opportunity. At the Society of St James (SSJ), we take a person-centred approach to helping people rebuild their lives by offering support that meets them where they are.

In the final part of our Exploring Homelessness series, we’re spending the day with the SSJ Academy, a service that gives people space to grow, learn, and take steps towards a more secure and fulfilling future.

A community built on second chances

The SSJ Academy isn’t a traditional classroom. It’s a flexible programme that offers support with sport, education, volunteering, and employment all running at the same time across Hampshire.

People can get involved in different activities based on what they need and what they are ready for. Someone might be doing a sports session, attending a life skills workshop, and getting help to find a job or volunteer role all in the same week.

It’s all about giving people the right support, in the right way, at the right time helping them grow in confidence and build a better future.

Personalised support every step of the way

The Academy is led by a team of dedicated staff and peer mentors many with lived experience of homelessness or recovery themselves. This creates a safe, understanding space where people are treated as individuals and supported without judgment.

Each person’s journey is different. Some might want to build their skills before returning to work. Others might be rebuilding their self-esteem after a tough time. Staff work closely with every participant to set personal goals and help them take the steps needed to reach them.

More than just skills

For many, the Academy isn’t just about learning – it’s about rebuilding their identity and sense of purpose. Whether someone is in recovery, recently housed, or taking their first steps away from crisis, the Academy offers stability, structure, and encouragement.

It helps people reconnect with themselves, with others, and with a future they might not have thought possible.

Why it matters

In a world where people experiencing homelessness are often left behind, the SSJ Academy shows what’s possible when we offer long-term, joined-up support. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach – it’s tailored, flexible, and focused on real, lasting change.

The Academy also works closely with other SSJ services, creating a clear pathway from crisis to stability to independence.

How you can help

Spread awareness
Share this blog to help challenge stigma around homelessness, recovery, and mental health.

Donate
Support our work by making a donation. Every contribution helps us keep vital services like the Academy running.

Stay connected
Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about the work happening across SSJ. https://ssj.org.uk/newsletter/

Together, we can make sure no one is left behind, and that everyone has the chance to move forward.

About this series

Exploring Homelessness is a 3-part blog and video series taking you behind the scenes of the work we do at the Society of St James:

• Part 1: Inside our Portsmouth Rough Sleeping Support Service
• Part 2: A day with Kelly from our Homeless Drug & Alcohol Team
• Part 3: A look inside the SSJ Academy

Thank you being apart of the solution to ending homelessness locally.

To learn more, visit: https://ssj.org.uk/sub-service/ssj-academy/

Last christmas, more than 200 people slept rough across Hampshire.

And that’s just the beginning.

Between October and December 2024, 883 people were assessed as homeless.
Between January and March 2025, an additional 932 people were assessed as homeless.

These aren’t just numbers.
They’re someone’s neighbour. Someone’s colleague. Someone’s friend.

At the Society of St James, we know that behind every statistic is a real person, who has been pushed into homelessness by a system that often fails them.

Opening doors to safety and support

This Christmas, we’re calling on our community to come together, to help us open more doors to:

• Safe housing
• Education and employment opportunities
• Long-term pathways out of homelessness

How You Can Help

We believe homelessness is not inevitable — it’s solvable, and we can do it together.

Our goal this Christmas is to raise £80,000 to fund life-changing services right here in Hampshire.

Donate today to be part of the solution
Share our message with friends, family, and colleagues
Get involved through your workplace or community group

[Click here to find out how you can support us]

With your help we can end homelessness locally, not just at Christmas but for the future.

Thank you for being part of the solution with us.

“It has been a godsend and thanks to them all I am where I am now.”
– Steve, a Society of St James client

This Christmas, we’re asking you to help us change more lives locally, just like Steve’s.

Whilst Christmas is a time when many people think about giving, our work is vital all year round. Homelessness doesn’t pause for the holidays – and neither do we. That’s why your support this season can make a lasting impact, not just for Christmas, but for the future.

Therefore, we are launching our 2025 Christmas Campaign with a big goal:
Raise £80,000 to end homelessness locally and fund vital services that help people rebuild their lives right here in our local community

What your gift supports

When you donate, you’re not just giving money, you’re opening doors;

• £10 – could provide a Christmas meal and gift for a resident
• £50 – could provide essentials like warm clothing or toiletries
• £100 – could contribute to rent deposit or interview clothing
• £250 – could support tailored activities that build skills, confidence, and opportunity

Real People. Real Stories.

Steve’s story is just one of many. Through our upcoming digital advent calendar, you’ll hear directly from the people whose lives have been transformed thanks to the support of our community.

Every door in the calendar will reveal a story of change or support, showing you exactly what your kindness makes possible.

Our advent calendar launches on 1st December 2025 – keep an eye out!

How You Can Help

This Christmas, be part of something meaningful.

Donate – Every pound brings us closer to our £80,000 goal
Share – Spread the word about our campaign
Support – Encourage your workplace or community to get involved

Click here to make a donation or learn more.

With your help we can end homelessness locally, one door at a time.

Thank you for being part of the solution.

Here in Hampshire, the situation is all too real. Hundreds of people face the harsh reality of sleeping rough, sofa surfing, or living in insecure, unsafe housing. But together, we can change that.

That’s why we’re proud to launch the Society of St James’ 2025 Christmas Campaign, and we’re inviting you to be part of something truly life-changing.

Our goal: Raise £80,000 to end homelessness locally

This Christmas, we’re aiming to raise £80,000 the first £10,000 will be used to ensure that people that use our services is given a Christmas dinner and a gift. The rest will be used to fund vital services that help people find safe accommodation, rebuild their lives, and look forward to a brighter future.

Because homelessness is not inevitable, it’s solvable. Homelessness should be rare, brief and non recurring. With your support, we can make lasting change locally.

What’s the Christmas Campaign About?

Throughout December, we’ll be sharing real stories through our Digital Christmas Calendar — giving you a window into the lives of the people we support, and the incredible staff, volunteers and supporters who walk alongside them every day.

Behind every door is:

A personal story of transformation
A glimpse into our frontline services
A message from supporters, volunteers showcasing the importance of support.

Why It Matters

At SSJ, we work every day to prevent, relieve, and ultimately end homelessness. That means more than just providing a roof, it means offering bespoke and tailored support to the people who use our services.

We know that when housing and support come together, lives are transformed.

This Christmas, your generosity can open doors to:

• Safety from rough sleeping or unsafe environments
• Support for health, wellbeing, and recovery
• Opportunity to build a future beyond homelessness

How You Can Get Involved

Whether you’re an individual, a workplace, or a community group, there are lots of ways you can support the campaign:

Download a fundraising pack and organise your own festive fundraiser
Make a donation – every contribution makes a real difference
Invite a speaker – book one of our team to talk to your staff, school or group

Click here to get started and find out more.

Let’s work together to open more doors, and end homelessness locally this Christmas.

Thank you for being part of the solution.

The day was filled with positivity, pride, and plenty of smiles, as we celebrated the achievements of those taking part in our educational and skills-based programmes. From gaining confidence to securing qualifications and setting goals for the future, the journeys of our learners are nothing short of inspiring.

Celebrating progress and potential

The SSJ Academy is all about creating opportunities for personal development, growth, and long-term change. Many of the individuals we support have faced significant barriers in life, and the Academy gives them a space to learn, build confidence, and take steps towards independence and stability.

During the celebration event, certificates were presented, stories were shared, and each achievement – big or small – was acknowledged and applauded. It was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished with the right support, encouragement, and determination.

A community effort

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the event so special – from the staff who make the Academy possible every day, to the learners who show up with courage and commitment, and the guests and partners who continue to champion our work.

We’d like to extend a very special thank you to Booker, HSBC, Currie & Brown, Soco Music Project, St Vincent College, CGL, and the Hampshire & IOW Liaison & Diversion Service for joining us at our event and hosting fantastic stalls.

Your presence helped to showcase the wide range of opportunities available, and your engagement made a real difference. From training and employment options to creative and community-based projects, the inspiration and information you shared were truly valuable.

Thank you so much for your time, support, and commitment to creating brighter futures. Your support means the world to us.

Looking ahead

As we reflect on this celebration, we also look forward with excitement. The SSJ Academy continues to grow, and with it, so does the potential to change more lives. We’re committed to expanding our learning opportunities and helping even more individuals on their path toward a brighter future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to all who support the mission of the Society of St James.

Stay connected
Follow us on social media to see more from the event and keep up to date with what’s happening across SSJ.

For more information about our SSJ academy please click here.
#SSJAcademy #ChangingLives #SSJCelebration #CommunitySupport #RecoveryThroughLearning